What If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance in NC?

What If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance in NC?

Direct Answer: If an uninsured driver causes your accident in North Carolina, you can seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it, pursue the at-fault driver personally for damages, or explore other available insurance policies that may provide coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Your Best Protection

North Carolina law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage to all policyholders, though you can reject it in writing. This coverage protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Your UM policy pays for:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Property damage (if you purchased UM property damage coverage)

Check your insurance policy to confirm whether you have UM coverage and review your policy limits.

Other Options for Recovery

If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, you still have legal options:

• Sue the at-fault driver directly for damages, though collecting a judgment from an uninsured driver who likely has limited assets can be challenging
• Underinsured motorist coverage may apply if the driver has some insurance but not enough to cover your damages
• Medical payments coverage on your own policy can help cover immediate medical expenses regardless of fault
• Health insurance should cover medical treatment, though you may need to reimburse your insurer from any settlement

Why Legal Representation Matters

Dealing with uninsured driver claims requires navigating complex insurance policy language and negotiating with your own insurance company, which may resist paying the full value of your claim. At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, our car accident lawyers know how to maximize uninsured motorist claims and explore all available sources of compensation.

Don't assume you have no options because the other driver lacks insurance. Contact our personal injury lawyers to review your policy, identify all potential sources of recovery, and fight for the compensation you need after an accident with an uninsured driver.