Greenville is the county seat of Pitt County, North Carolina. With 87,521 residents, it’s also the most populous city in the county and the principal city of the Greenville metropolitan area. Also known for being the health, entertainment, and educational hub of North Carolina’s Tidewater and Coastal Plain, it’s easy to see why people choose to live in this beautiful city.
However, as beautiful as the city is, accidents do happen. Greenville is the most congested city in Eastern North Carolina, with 2,364.6 people per square mile. Its busiest roads are along Memorial Dr., Greenville Blvd., Arlington Blvd., 10th St., Evans St., and Fire Tower Rd, and several major highways run through it. However, as beautiful as the city is, accidents do happen.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and do not have insurance, it can be confusing and frustrating. You may not know what to do or who to turn to for help. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer today if you have any questions about what to do after a motorcycle accident when you’re uninsured.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Greenville, NC
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and you don’t have insurance, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself.
- Contact the police – Like car accidents, the first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is call the police. Not only is leaving the accident scene considered a crime, but if you leave without calling the police, you will have no official report of the accident. This could make it more difficult to obtain a settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Exchange information with the other driver – Even in situations where you don’t have insurance, it is important to exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and the other driver’s insurance company information.
- Gather evidence from the accident scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and anything else you think may help prove your claim. You should also get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
- Seek medical treatment – A motorcycle accident is often far more dangerous than a car accident. Injuries such as internal bleeding and concussions are not immediately apparent but can be extremely dangerous if not treated immediately. If you did not need immediate medical attention at the scene, get it directly after the accident.
- Contact a Greenville motorcycle accident attorney – If you need help filing a claim. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Can I Be Sued if I’m Uninsured in Greenville, North Carolina?
Yes, you can be sued if you’re uninsured or insured in North Carolina. If you are the at-fault driver and the other party sustains injuries or property damage due to your negligence, they may file a personal injury lawsuit against you. You would be responsible for their medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and lost wages if they win their case. Your personal assets, such as a motorcycle, properties, boat, etc., can be used to pay for a crash victim’s personal injuries.
It is also important to note that without North Carolina’s minimum requirement for bodily injury insurance, you will also be responsible for any legal fees associated with the lawsuit.
It is in your best interest to consult with an experienced lawyer if you are involved in a motorcycle accident and do not have insurance. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we can help you understand your rights and options.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim If I Don’t Have Insurance?
Yes, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident and you were not at fault, you can file a personal injury claim even if you do not have insurance. However, as with most personal injury claims, obtaining a settlement or judgment in your favor may be difficult. The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely try to low-ball you or deny your claim entirely. However, an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, deal with the insurance company, and get the compensation you deserve.
North Carolina Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Requirements
All vehicles with North Carolina registration must have continuous liability insurance provided by a North Carolina licensed company.
In North Carolina, you must have a minimum of:
Bodily Injury Coverage – $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. Bodily injury coverage is insurance that helps pay for the injuries of others if you are found at fault in a motorcycle accident. It also covers you and your passengers if you are injured in an accident.
Property Damage – $25,000 – Property damage coverage is insurance that pays for the damage to other people’s cars or property resulting from the car accident.
North Carolina also requires motorcyclists to carry uninsured motorist (UM) insurance coverage. In motorcycle accidents where the other party is at fault and doesn’t have insurance, you can file a claim with your own insurance company and recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. However, North Carolina does not require motorists to carry underinsured motorist insurance coverage (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver has a minimum limits policy. In that situation, you can tap into your UIM coverage to bridge the gap and cover your damages.
Contact a Greenville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Greenville, North Carolina, and you or the other driver was uninsured, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, P.C., our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers are licensed in North and South Carolina. We value the attorney-client relationship and will do everything to assist you through your car accident case.
