Waynesville, NC Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Lawyer

Waynesville, NC Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Attorney

Every driver in the state of North Carolina is required to own car insurance of some kind. Car insurance protects you and compensates you in the event that you sustain damages in a car accident. Regrettably, there are some cases where the driver who hits you does not have any insurance. In tho se cases, it can be easy to worry that you’ll have to cover the damages yourself, but a Waynesville, NC uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer can help you work out a plan.

Being involved in a car accident can be an overwhelming situation before you even begin to factor in the possibility of the other driver being uninsured. If this happens to you, do not panic. Victims of uninsured and underinsured motorists still have legal options. The team at Ganly & Ramer, P.L.L.C., is prepared to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you’re rightfully owed.

Car Insurance Laws in North Carolina

According to North Carolina state law, every vehicle that has a valid North Carolina registration must have continuous liability insurance. It’s important to note that out-of-state policies are not considered valid, so all drivers should have insurance specific to North Carolina. Liability insurance exists to protect drivers against any injury or property damage caused by the negligent actions of other drivers who might have limited or nonexistent liability insurance.

The state also requires every registered driver to carry Uninsured Motorist Coverage in the unfortunate event that you are struck by a driver who has no insurance. This way, you are not left to pick up the pieces yourself, and you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. An experienced uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer can help you make sure your claim is valid, strong, and enforceable.

The Car Accident Claims Process in North Carolina

When you have been in an accident, there are many different steps you can take to ensure that your claim is protected when the time comes to file it. These steps include filing a police report, documenting the accident scene, obtaining a medical record of your injuries, and consulting with a car accident lawyer.

After those steps have been fulfilled and you have started developing your claim with an experienced lawyer, you can start working on fulfilling the claims process to make sure your accident claim is filed correctly. The steps in the claims process may be significantly different if the at-fault driver is uninsured. Here are some of those steps:

• Generally, in most typical car accident situations, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying you the appropriate damages and handling the claims process. When the at-fault driver does not have any car insurance, you will have to take your claim through your own insurance company, provided you carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
• You may want to consider filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver directly in an attempt to recoup damages. Uninsured drivers may be well aware of the illegality of their actions, and they attempt to prevent you from calling the police after an accident. Don’t let them guilt you into doing the wrong thing.

FAQs

Can You File a Claim Against an Uninsured Driver in North Carolina?

Yes, you are able to file a claim against an uninsured driver in North Carolina. However, you need to take a number of important factors into consideration before filing an accident claim. First, you should check to see if your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will cover all of your damages. If not, you may want to continue filing a civil claim against the at-fault driver for the remaining damages to ensure you receive what you’re owed.

How Does UIM Coverage Work in North Carolina?

Uninsured motorist coverage, or UIM coverage, works in North Carolina by protecting insured drivers from being unable to recoup damages in the event that they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. UIM coverage will pay out the difference between what the at-fault driver’s insurance, if they are insured, pays and what you still need to recover. The amount that UIM coverage pays you will be dependent on the details of your case.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Uninsured Motorist Coverage in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for uninsured motorist claims is three years, which is the standard for most personal injury claims in the state. That means you will have three years to build a case, gather the evidence you need, speak with a lawyer, and ultimately file a claim for damages. If you are unable to file your claim before three years have passed, your case may be dismissed entirely, and your opportunity to seek damages may be lost.

Does Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim Raise My Rates in North Carolina?

It depends. Filing an uninsured motorist claim will not raise your insurance rates in North Carolina if you are determined not to be at fault for the accident. Your insurance rates cannot be raised in North Carolina for an accident that wasn’t your fault. If you are found to be even partially at fault, the accident could raise your insurance rates. It will depend on your driving record, the severity of your injuries, and the details of the accident.

Reach Out to Our Car Accident Lawyers Today

Finding out that the driver who caused your accident does not have car insurance can be infuriating and overwhelming. You may feel you don’t have any options to seek compensatory damages, as there is no insurance company to negotiate with. However, it’s important to remember you still have legal options even when the at-fault driver is uninsured. You should contact an uninsured and underinsured motorist lawyer quickly to learn about your options.

The legal team at Ganly & Ramer, P.L.L.C., can provide you with quality legal assistance to help you work out a plan to recoup damages after an accident. We can help you build up your case, find evidence, and make sure your interests are protected throughout various proceedings. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about your rights after an accident in Waynesville, NC.