Being involved in a car accident is distressing under any circumstance. But finding out the at-fault driver has no insurance? That takes the stress to another level. At Harman Law, we know how overwhelming these situations can be—and we’re here to help you understand your rights and protect your future. Whether you’re in Charlotte, Huntersville, or Hickory, our team is experienced in handling uninsured and underinsured motorist claims across North Carolina.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage and Why It Matters in North Carolina
Like any other professional, lawyers require payment for their services. Investigating cases demands a lot of time, effort, and work, so they need money.
How they structure their fees depends on how you use them. In most cases, lawyers charge hourly, say $400 per hour. For criminal cases, paying directly for the lawyer’s time is common. However, they often adopt a different approach for car accidents and personal injury claims, (such as only charging you if you win and deducting their fees from your compensation).
Types of Charges Explained
In North Carolina, every auto insurance policy must include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This protects you when you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t carry insurance. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, on the other hand, helps when the at-fault driver’s policy isn’t enough to fully compensate you for your injuries or damages.
The state’s minimum required liability coverage is:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Your UM/UIM coverage will typically mirror your liability limits unless you’ve chosen higher coverage. If you’ve never reviewed your policy in detail, it’s worth doing—especially after an accident.
Immediate Steps to Take After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver
- Make Safety a Priority: Get yourself and others to a safe location and assess for injuries.
- Call 911: A police report is critical, particularly for UM/UIM claims.
- Exchange Information: Even if the other driver has no insurance, collect their contact details, license plate number, and vehicle info.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries.
- Seek Medical Care: Your health comes first, and medical documentation will be key to your claim.
- Call Your Insurance Company: Let them know what happened as soon as possible.
Filing a UM/UIM Claim Through Your Insurance
If the driver who hit you is uninsured or underinsured, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance provider under your UM or UIM policy.
Here’s what that process looks like:
- File Promptly: Notify your insurer right away to avoid complications.
- Gather Documentation: This includes the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, witness statements, and any communications with the other driver.
- Work With Your Claims Adjuster: Expect questions and an investigation into the crash and your damages.
- Be Ready to Push Back: Unfortunately, even your own insurer may try to limit how much they pay.
Common Challenges With UM/UIM Claims
While these policies exist to protect you, getting what you’re owed isn’t always easy. Common roadblocks include:
- Claim Denials: Your insurer might dispute fault or coverage eligibility.
- Lowball Offers: Insurers often offer less than what you need or deserve.
- North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law: If you’re found even 1% at fault, your claim could be denied entirely.
- Arbitration Requirements: Disputes may lead to binding arbitration, which can be difficult to navigate without a lawyer.
When to Get a Lawyer Involved
This is where Harman Law makes a difference.
If your claim is being denied or delayed—or if the insurance company just isn’t treating you fairly—it’s time to bring in legal help. We’ll handle the communications, negotiations, and legal filings so you can focus on healing.
Our attorneys are well-versed in North Carolina’s insurance laws and have successfully recovered compensation for countless clients facing similar situations. From Charlotte to Hickory, we’re ready to step in and fight for you.
Time-Sensitive Considerations: Don’t Miss Your Window
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including UM/UIM claims—is three years from the date of the accident. This means you must file a lawsuit within that period, or you lose your right to recover.
Even though you’re dealing with your own insurer, these rules still apply. It’s also important to understand that serving notice to your UM/UIM carrier must follow specific procedures under the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. Missing a step can cost you your entire case.
Get the Support You Deserve with Harman Law
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in North Carolina, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Harman Law, we take pride in delivering honest answers, aggressive representation, and personalized care to accident victims across the state.
We have offices in Charlotte, Huntersville, and Hickory, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Let’s talk about your options—before your window to act runs out.
