How much can I get from an underinsured motorist claim? The amount of compensation you can recover depends on how much underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage you carry.
Underinsured motorist claims can help cover costs such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Here is more about how much your North Charleston uninsured motorist accident lawyer could expect to get for you from your underinsured motorist claim.
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is designed to protect drivers when the at-fault party’s insurance is insufficient to cover all damages. This type of coverage bridges the gap between what the at-fault driver’s policy pays and the total amount needed to compensate for medical bills, property damage, and other losses. UIM coverage answers the question many drivers face after a serious accident: how much can I get from an underinsured motorist claim?
In South Carolina, UIM coverage is optional but often highly beneficial for drivers who want to avoid paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence. It works alongside liability coverage, stepping in when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are exceeded. Understanding how UIM works in your specific policy can be challenging, but your South Carolina car accident lawyer can help you maximize your claim and recover the full amount you are entitled to.
Common Scenarios Requiring UIM Claims
Underinsured motorist coverage applies in many situations where the at-fault driver’s policy is insufficient or unavailable. Victims often face significant challenges covering their losses without relying on UIM benefits. Below are some of the most common scenarios where UIM claims may apply:
- Accidents involving drivers with minimal liability insurance.
- Serious injuries where damages exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage limits.
- Hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver is not identified or insured.
Factors that Affect the Value of Your Underinsured Motorist Claim
Several factors influence how much you may recover from an underinsured motorist claim. The severity of your injuries and the resulting financial and emotional toll play a critical role in determining compensation. Additionally, the amount of coverage available under both the at-fault driver’s policy and your UIM policy impacts the claim’s value.
Medical bills are one of the most significant factors in a UIM claim, as they reflect the immediate costs of emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Lost wages due to time missed from work, combined with property damage expenses, also heavily influence the final compensation amount. Keeping detailed records of these financial losses strengthens your claim.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, may also increase the value of a UIM claim. These intangible losses address the psychological and emotional impact of the accident on your daily life. By thoroughly documenting these effects, you can seek a fair settlement that accounts for both your immediate and long-term needs.
Types of Damages You Can Get in an Underinsured Motorist Claim
According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI), underinsured motorist (UIM) claims are designed to cover a wide range of damages when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to compensate for your losses. These damages address both economic and non-economic harms, helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Recovering all eligible damages under your UIM coverage is essential to rebuilding your life after an accident.
When we evaluate your claim, we can identify every loss you have experienced to ensure full compensation. From immediate medical costs to long-term impacts like lost earning potential or pain and suffering, each category of damages plays a critical role in the recovery process. Below is a detailed look at the types of damages you may recover under a UIM claim.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are often the largest component of a UIM claim, covering the immediate and ongoing costs of treating your injuries. These expenses include everything from emergency care to long-term rehabilitation and prescription medications. Proper documentation of all medical costs is essential to ensure that every expense is included in your claim.
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Medical imaging
- Follow-up appointments
- Assistive devices
- Home healthcare
- Mental health services
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity are critical components of a UIM claim. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently, these damages help offset the financial strain. The impact of lost income can extend beyond immediate needs, affecting your ability to maintain long-term financial stability.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. This category of non-economic damages includes ongoing pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychological impacts that reduce your quality of life. While these damages are more subjective, they play an important role in addressing the full impact of your injuries.
Property Damage
Property damage compensation helps cover the financial losses associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged items. This category is especially important if your vehicle was totaled or requires extensive repairs. Documenting the extent of the damage with repair estimates, receipts, and photos strengthens your claim.
Costs may also include the expenses for renting a vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced. If your car is declared a total loss, the compensation will reflect the fair market value of the vehicle at the time of the accident. Property damage claims ensure that victims do not bear the financial burden of repairing or replacing their assets after an accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment of life addresses the ways your injuries have impacted your ability to engage in hobbies, recreation, or daily activities you once loved. For example, a person who previously enjoyed physical activities like running or biking may no longer be able to participate in these activities due to their injuries. This type of non-economic damage focuses on the quality of life lost because of the accident.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm for Help Today
Understanding how much you can recover from an underinsured motorist claim depends on the specifics of your accident, injuries, and insurance policy. Your South Carolina personal injury lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm can evaluate your case, calculate your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure financial recovery after an accident.
