What Steps Should You Take Immediately After the Accident? 
Even when the driver at fault has insurance, dealing with a car accident can be overwhelming. But when you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, the situation demands extra attention. Below are the key steps to take after any accident, regardless of the other driver’s insurance status:
- Call 911 to Report the Incident: Whether the crash involves injuries or not, you must call the police immediately. Having a police report is crucial, particularly if the other driver is uninsured. It can serve as an essential piece of evidence when trying to prove liability or seeking compensation through your own insurance policy.
- Gather Information: Ensure you collect the other driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and driver’s license number. If possible, take pictures of the scene, the damages to both vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. These photos will help provide visual proof if needed in legal proceedings.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, you should always seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, might not show up right away. Having a doctor’s evaluation ensures that your injuries are documented and can be vital for your insurance claim or legal case.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the states that mandates drivers to carry car insurance, but despite this law, there are still uninsured drivers on the road. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes into play.
Marcel McCrea
Attorney
James A. Noel
Attorney
Tylisa Crawford
Paralegal
- What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?: Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of car insurance designed to cover the damages if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. This includes both bodily injuries and property damage.
- Does North Carolina Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?: While North Carolina law requires all drivers to have liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage is optional. However, ClearView Legal strongly recommends adding UM coverage to your policy. It can be a lifesaver when you’re involved in a crash with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Underinsured motorist coverage works similarly but applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover all of your damages. North Carolina allows drivers to purchase UIM coverage to ensure they’re fully covered in case of an accident with an underinsured driver.
What to Do If You Don’t Have UM or UIM Coverage?
If you didn’t have the foresight to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, don’t panic. While you may be at a disadvantage, there are still steps you can take:- Pursue a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you can pursue them personally for damages. However, this can be a complicated and lengthy process, especially if the driver has limited assets. It’s important to consult with an attorney, like the team at ClearView Legal, who specializes in car accident cases.
- Use Your Health Insurance: Your health insurance can cover your medical expenses related to the accident, but you’ll still need to deal with the property damage and other costs. If you don’t have PIP coverage, your health insurance might be your best option to get immediate care.
- File a Claim with Your Own Insurance: Some insurance policies include medical payment coverage (MedPay), which helps cover medical expenses, or collision coverage, which can help repair your vehicle if you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver.
I have worked and referred cases to Attorney Marcel McCrea in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a number of years. His zealous advocacy, keen attention to details, and client care are particularly noteworthy. He has been especially helpful in some complicated personal injury matters that I have referred to his firm. I highly recommend Marcel McCrea and ClearView Legal for anyone looking for excellent attorneys.”
- Frantz Jacques
ClearView Legal do great work. When I had my car accident they were very diligent in showing me the process. They took care of all the necessary paperwork and negotiation in my personal injury claim. They were both passionate and determined to get me my settlement. I am eternally grateful. Definitely 5 star lawyers in my book."
- Osmund Marcellin
I was recently injured in a car accident. I hired Attorney Marcel McCrea of ClearView Legal in Charlotte, NC to help me with my personal injury matter and to recover for my medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Before hiring the firm, I tried to negotiate with the insurance company on my own and got no where. Marcel McCrea did an excellent job and helped me to recover much more than I expected. Marcel and his staff exceeded my expectations and provided great customer service. I highly recommend the firm!"
- S. Jackson
How Can ClearView Legal Help in Your Case?
At ClearView Legal, we understand how complicated it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident, especially when the other driver is uninsured. Our experienced team of Charlotte-based attorneys can help you through the entire process, ensuring that your legal rights are protected. Here’s how we can assist you:- Help You Understand Your Rights: We can explain what your insurance policy covers and what steps you need to take if you’re facing an uninsured driver.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Having an attorney by your side can ensure you’re not taken advantage of during the claims process.
- File Lawsuits and Handle Legal Proceedings: If your case needs to go to court, our team is prepared to represent you and fight for fair compensation.
Steps to Take if the Other Driver’s Insurance Isn’t Enough
It’s possible that the driver who caused your accident has some insurance but not enough to cover your damages. If that’s the case, your next step may involve your underinsured motorist coverage (UIM).- Ensure UIM Coverage: As mentioned earlier, if you don’t have UIM coverage, ClearView Legal strongly recommends that you add it to your policy for future protection. It helps cover the gap if the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short.
- Take Legal Action: In some cases, you may need to take legal action to get full compensation. If the driver’s insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover all your expenses, our attorneys can guide you through the process of suing the at-fault party for the remaining damages.
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What If You’re Not Sure If the Other Driver Has Insurance?
If the other driver refuses to provide their insurance details, or if you suspect they might not have coverage, your next steps become a bit more complex. Here’s what you should do in such situations:- Get a Police Report: The police can help identify whether the other driver has insurance. The report will include the driver’s details, and the officer may be able to confirm their insurance status.
- Seek Legal Assistance: If the other driver is uncooperative or the situation becomes complicated, an attorney from ClearView Legal can help you investigate further and take legal action if necessary.