Nationwide, approximately on out of every eight drivers is uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC). Uninsured drivers, however, are apparently not equally distributed across the U.S. “If you get in a car accident, chances that the other motorist is uninsured will depend on where you’re driving,” warns carinsurance.com.
What is my likelihood of encountering—or getting involved in a crash with—an uninsured driver In North Carolina? A little over nine percent of drivers have no vehicle insurance in NC. That’s well below Oklahoma, the state with the highest number of uninsured at 26 percent. However, it’s still twice as many as Massachusetts, the lowest with only four percent of drivers uninsured.
An injury collision with an uninsured driver means that, even if that driver is at fault, your own insurance will have to pay for your injuries. Fortunately for the NC driver (although it can slightly raise your insurance premiums), the law requires that you purchase uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist bodily injury liability (UM/UIM) coverage. There are some complexities involved in cases that involve UM/UIM coverage, and you will be wise to hire an experienced attorney to make sure you get the coverage you are entitled to.
As the NC Department of Insurance explains, in addition to mandatory liability insurance, “Motor Vehicle Law also requires Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorists coverage. …Uninsured Motorists (UM) coverage will provide protection when an uninsured driver, who is at-fault, injures you or another covered individual. It also provides property damage coverage. Underinsured Motorists (UIM) Coverage will provide protection when an underinsured driver, who is at fault, causes injury to a covered individual. An underinsured driver is one whose limits of liability are less than your UIM limits, and not enough to cover the losses of the people the underinsured driver injures in an at-fault accident.”
The Department adds an important caveat: Your insurance company “will not provide coverage if you or your legal representative settles the bodily injury or property damage without the company’s written consent.“
Richard Manger, principal of Manger Law Firm, has extensive experience in litigation and settlements, with a focus on personal injury and workers’ compensation law. We are proud of the strong relationships of loyalty and trust we develop with our clients. We go above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. You can contact Richard Manger via email at ram@mangerlaw.com, or by calling (336) 882-2000.
