In North Carolina, all drivers are required to have liability insurance provided by a North Carolina-licensed insurance company. Driving without insurance will result in fines, loss of driving privileges, and/or civil penalties.
While most car accidents are between two adequately insured drivers, that is not always the case. Whether the reason is cost, negligence, or something else, not every driver is insured, even though it is required by law.
What happens if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance?
You will be stuck with hefty expenses (medical bills, health insurance deductibles) and if you miss work you can be out of a few paychecks. Fortunately, uninsured motorist coverage can help in this situation.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of car insurance that can pay for medical expenses or compensate you for injuries if you (or your passengers) are injured in an auto accident caused by:
- A driver who doesn’t have liability car insurance.
- A hit-and-run driver.
- A driver whose insurance company denies coverage or goes out of business.
What To Do After An Accident With An Uninsured/Under-Insured Driver
You should follow these same steps for any car accident you are involved in.
- Make sure that everyone involved is okay and move to a safe location off of the road. Call 911 immediately and file a police report.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, address, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of both vehicles and the surrounding area. This includes skid marks and other objects that may have been hit. Try to get contact information from witnesses. Write down what happened from your perspective as soon as possible.
- Contact Hands Law Office. We will look into your case and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. If the other driver does not have insurance, we will always look to see if there are any alternative options for you.
A driver whose insurance company denies coverage or goes out of business.