Legal Help After a Crash with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in North Carolina
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a driver who had no insurance or not enough to cover your losses, Bradford Law is here to help. Based in Charlotte, our attorneys handle uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims throughout North Carolina. We guide clients through the complexities of insurance coverage, help them avoid common pitfalls, and fight for the full compensation they’re entitled to under the law. Whether your case involves a hit-and-run, a denied claim, or unclear policy limits, our Charlotte car accident attorneys know how to uncover hidden coverage and hold insurers accountable.
Why Choose Bradford Law?
At Bradford Law, we don’t just process insurance claims. We challenge insurance companies when they try to avoid paying what you’re owed. Our team brings deep knowledge of North Carolina insurance law, aggressive advocacy, and a client-first approach to every case.
- Over 19 years of experience handling personal injury and insurance claims in North Carolina
- Strong track record in UM/UIM cases, including forcing arbitration on contested claims and successfully appealing improperly denied claims and coverages
- We never settle without your approval because your rights and recovery come first
- No upfront fees—we only get paid if we win your case
- Flexible scheduling to meet your needs
- Chosen as Best Car Accident Lawyers in Charlotte by Expertise.com for 2022
- Immediate legal guidance after hit-and-run accidents to protect your claim
Can I Recover Compensation If the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured?
Yes. In North Carolina, all auto insurance policies are required to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the driver who caused your accident has no insurance, you can file a claim under your own UM coverage. In some situations, you may also be able to recover under a family member’s policy or the policy covering the vehicle you were riding in. In some situations you may be able to recover from multiple policies, this process is known as “policy stacking,” and it can increase the total compensation available to you.
Time is critical. You must act within the statute of limitations to file a claim. Also, you’ll need to prove the at-fault driver was uninsured, typically through DMV records or a sworn affidavit. Bradford Law can help you gather the necessary documentation and file your claim correctly and on time.
What If My Insurance Company Denies My UM/UIM Claim?
A denial doesn’t mean the end of your case. Insurance companies often reject valid UM/UIM claims to protect their bottom line. In North Carolina, you have the right to challenge a denial, especially if it was made in bad faith or violates the state’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Our attorneys have experience appealing denied claims and, when necessary, filing lawsuits against insurers. A successful appeal can result in full compensation, reimbursement of legal fees, and in some cases, treble damages. We know how to navigate these disputes and will fight to hold your insurer accountable.
Will Filing a UM/UIM Claim Affect My Insurance Rates?
No. Under North Carolina law, your insurance company cannot raise your premiums for filing a UM or UIM claim if you were not at fault for the accident. This protection is one of the most misunderstood aspects of UM/UIM coverage.
Many people hesitate to file a claim because they fear their rates will go up. But if you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your premiums are legally protected. Bradford Law will ensure your insurer complies with the law and doesn’t penalize you for using the coverage you’ve paid for.
What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Never Identified?
You may still be eligible for compensation under your uninsured motorist policy, but only if specific legal requirements are met. North Carolina law requires:
- That you file a police report immediately after the accident
- That there was actual physical contact between your vehicle and the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle
If the other driver caused you to crash without making contact, such as forcing you off the road, your claim may be denied under the state’s “no contact rule.” That’s why it’s essential to report the accident right away and document every detail.
Bradford Law helps clients meet these legal requirements and avoid common mistakes that can lead to denied claims.
What to Expect When You Contact Bradford Law
When you contact our office, we begin with a free consultation to review your accident, your injuries, and your insurance coverage. We’ll explain your legal rights, identify all available policies (including stacked coverage), and outline the next steps in your case.
If we take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance company, gather supporting documentation, and advocate for the full amount you’re owed.
Our team offers evening and weekend consultations and bilingual support to better serve our community.
Talk to a Charlotte UM/UIM Attorney Today
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t wait to get legal help. Bradford Law is ready to assist you with filing your claim, appealing a denial, or identifying additional coverage. Contact us now for a free consultation. There’s no cost unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a UM/UIM claim in North Carolina?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a UM/UIM claim, but you must also notify your insurer promptly. In addition, you must obtain written consent from your insurer before settling with the at-fault driver’s insurer, if applicable.
Do I need a police report for a hit-and-run claim?
Yes. North Carolina law requires that you file a police report immediately for a hit-and-run claim to be valid under UM coverage. Without a timely report, your insurer may deny your claim.
Can I recover from more than one insurance policy?
Yes. North Carolina allows “policy stacking,” which means you may be able to recover from multiple auto insurance policies, such as your own, a family member’s, or the policy covering the vehicle you were in. Bradford Law can help identify all available sources of coverage.
