Finding out that the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance is infuriating. Not only are you dealing with the shock and pain of the crash, but now you’re wondering who’s going to pay for everything. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we can support you during these chaotic times.
We aren’t just a team of lawyers – we’re led by Dr. Ted Greve, who is also a physician. His medical background gives us a unique understanding of what recovery truly involves, from the moments following an accident to the long-term impact on your life.
An uninsured motorist lawyer in Wilmington, NC, can listen to your story, help you explore your options, and work toward getting you the financial recovery you deserve. Call us today at (800) 693-7833 to get started with a free consultation.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington’s busy roads see plenty of beach traffic and commuters every day. Despite the many responsible drivers around town, some choose to skip buying insurance. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, 10.3 percent of North Carolina drivers are uninsured, which creates serious struggles for accident victims.
The point of insurance is to cover expenses and losses after accidents. When someone doesn’t have insurance and causes a crash, it leaves the victim with the burden of financial costs. Now, you’re worrying about medical bills, repairing your vehicle, and missing income.
The reasons for people driving uninsured can vary. Sometimes, they’re facing financial challenges and can’t afford it, or they might have simply misunderstood the state’s insurance requirements. Regardless of the reason, those who end up hurt in crashes with uninsured drivers deserve to be compensated.
With the North Carolina Department of Transportation reporting 273,732 crashes statewide in a recent year – an average of 750 per day – many victims face life-changing injuries and expenses. Statistically, dozens of these daily crashes will involve uninsured drivers.
If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, getting compensation is not hopeless. Give us a call, and we’ll start putting together a strategy.
North Carolina Car Insurance Laws and Requirements
North Carolina’s insurance rules are designed to help cover your losses when someone else is at fault. Still, quite a few residents don’t follow these mandates, creating the risk of an out-of-pocket scramble for injured parties.
Mandatory Insurance Coverage in North Carolina
North Carolina law requires all registered vehicles to have minimum liability insurance, including:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Every policy must also include $30,000 in uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to help protect against uninsured drivers. This differs from optional underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which can be added to help if the other driver’s limits are too low to cover your expenses.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Why It Matters
Uninsured motorist coverage is part of a policy that steps in when the at-fault party does not carry any insurance. This protection helps pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages when your injuries prevent you from working
- Repairs to your car or other property
- Other losses linked to the collision
North Carolina law requires motorist coverage in every policy. You can add underinsured coverage and may stack policies from relatives in your household. This means that multiple UM/UIM policies may combine to offer extra funds when one policy isn’t enough.
Legal Penalties for Driving Uninsured in North Carolina
State authorities don’t take kindly to those who forgo insurance coverage. If you drive uninsured in North Carolina:
- You may pay fines that rise with each lapse in coverage
- You risk having your license plate revoked and your car registration suspended
- You could face penalties that make it tougher to get insured in the future
Still, these legal consequences do little to help victims who are dealing with expenses after an accident with an uninsured driver. Our role as car accident lawyers is to seek financial recovery through every avenue possible.
The Role of an Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
When you work with one of our uninsured motorist lawyers, you’ll have the reassurance that every single angle is being examined. The team at Ted A. Greve & Associates offers a level of care that makes you feel seen and understood. We will always communicate with you, never keeping you in the dark.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer with Experience in Uninsured Motorist Cases
An uninsured motorist lawyer helps you build and manage your claim from the ground up. We gather evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements to prove fault. Our goal is to pursue fair financial recovery for you. We do this by:
- Investigating how the collision occurred and identifying the responsible party
- Checking all available insurance policies, including your own
- Handling conversations with adjusters so you don’t risk saying something that could jeopardize your claim
Because uninsured driver cases can involve multiple steps, having someone who regularly handles these scenarios can help you avoid pitfalls and confusing paperwork.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Motorist? Legal Options and Considerations
You may consider suing the uninsured driver, but many don’t have the money to pay a court judgment. That is why we usually look at:
- Your own uninsured motorist policy
- Any underinsured or umbrella coverage you might have
- Possible liability of other involved parties (for instance, if a road hazard or defective auto part played a role)
We explore these avenues so you aren’t left empty-handed. If a direct lawsuit offers little recovery due to the driver’s lack of funds, we turn our attention to the coverage you already pay for.
Strategies for Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often downplay injuries or offer low payouts to protect their bottom line. We know their tactics and won’t let them undervalue your case. Our team fights to make sure your injuries, losses, and needs are fully recognized.
We take time to assess:
- All related medical bills
- The extent of your injuries and your recovery timeline
- Whether you need ongoing treatment
- How your injuries affect your ability to earn a living
We then present your situation to the adjuster or insurance lawyer in a clear and detailed manner. If they push back or offer too little, we are ready to discuss the facts again and keep advocating for fair results.
Reach Out for Professional Legal Assistance in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington sees more than its share of car accidents, and too many drivers ignore insurance laws. When their bad decisions leave you injured, you shouldn’t have to fight for fair compensation alone. We handle the paperwork, deal with insurers, and walk you through every option, from filing claims to legal action. Call the uninsured motorist lawyers in Wilmington, NC, from Ted A. Greve & Associates for a free consultation.
