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Personal Injury Blog

At Kinon Law Firm, we focus exclusively on helping injury victims. We’re here to fight for individuals and families who’ve had their lives disrupted by accidents, negligence, or tragedy.

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What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is an optional add-on to your private auto insurance policy in South Carolina. It provides additional coverage if your financial damages exceed the liable driver’s auto insurance policy limits. Because S.C. only requires drivers to carry $25,000 in bodily injury and lost wage coverage, serious and fatal crashes can exceed these policy limits with one hospital stay.

The dedicated Conway UIM attorneys at Kinon Law Firm can review your policy to determine whether you carry underinsured motorist coverage and, if so, fight to maximize available damages after life-altering car accidents in Horry County. Call (843) 488-9191 or connect with our compassionate personal injury team online to schedule a free case review today.

Defining South Carolina UIM Benefits

UIM coverage is secondary to the liable driver’s bodily injury insurance after at-fault car crashes. Unlike uninsured motorist (UM) policies that cover you when the driver doesn’t have car insurance, UIM insurance covers you when the liable driver doesn’t carry enough insurance. It provides additional medical benefits and lost wage payouts after you’ve exhausted the liability policy.

Car Accident Injuries Requiring Supplemental Uninsured Motorist Claims

Because South Carolina only requires drivers to carry a minimum $25,000 in personal injury insurance per person (maximum $50,000 per accident), the following serious crash injuries often trigger UIM benefits:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Paralysis
  • Nerve damage
  • Multiple disc herniations
  • Amputations
  • Complex fractures
  • Third-degree burns
  • Death

Injured claimants or their families are entitled to demand insurance compensation for all past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to the crash injuries. However, the auto insurance company is only required to pay these claims up to policy limits. You must either demand any remaining damages directly from the liable parties, such as the driver or a liable employer, or your UIM policy. Experienced Conway traffic collision lawyers will analyze every available coverage option in your case and maximize available damages.

Overview of UIM Coverage Options in South Carolina

UIM insurance is not mandatory in South Carolina; however, it’s often offered alongside mandatory uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Many drivers unknowingly carry joint UM/UIM coverage because S.C. insurers are required to offer you underinsured motorist insurance when you purchase the policy. Do not assume you don’t have UIM coverage, even if it’s not mandatory, before having a local car accident attorney review your policy documents.

Most basic UIM policies provide additional minimum state coverage of $25,000 per person, meaning you can double the available damages in serious injury cases. However, you must first exhaust the liable driver’s insurance policy. This means you cannot settle the claim below policy limits and then claim UIM coverage. You must fight for the full payout with help from a dedicated personal injury litigator.

Your Experienced UIM Accident Lawyers in Conway

If you know you’ll need compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering beyond state minimum coverage, you need an experienced South Carolina UIM attorney from Kinon Law Firm. Underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory or automatic, but our legal advocates can fight for every penny you deserve after a serious car crash in Conway. Call (843) 488-9191 or connect with our personal injury team online for a free policy review today.

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