How Much Can I Get From An Underinsured Motorist Claim?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but the situation becomes even more complicated when the other driver doesn’t have insurance. You might wonder, “Am I still entitled to compensation? And if so, how much?” 

This is where underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes in. It helps cover your damages when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to pay for everything. This coverage can play an important role in helping you recover costs for your medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident.

The amount you may receive from an underinsured motorist claim can vary widely, depending on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your losses, and the coverage limits detailed in your own insurance policy. Payouts in these cases often range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars.

At Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our car accident attorneys have a proven track record of helping accident victims pursue the full compensation they deserve. Our experienced legal team is committed to protecting your financial future when an underinsured driver is responsible for your injuries.

Is UIM Coverage Required in North Carolina?

Yes, North Carolina automatically includes UIM coverage in your policy.

As of July 1, 2025, North Carolina’s minimum liability limits are:

$50,000 for bodily injury per person

$100,000 for bodily injury per accident

$50,000 for property damage

If you buy higher liability limits than those, underinsured motorist coverage gets added automatically.

What Does UIM Actually Cover?

Here’s a breakdown of what underinsured motorist coverage covers: 

Medical bills: Including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up visits.

Lost wages: If you’re unable to work due to injuries from the accident.

Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.

Long-term rehabilitation or care: Like physical therapy, mobility aids, or nursing support.

Other accident-related costs: These could include transportation to appointments, home modifications, or other necessary expenses tied to your recovery.

In short, underinsured motorist coverage is designed to help make you financially whole again after an accident that wasn’t your fault, especially when the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short.

What UIM Doesn’t Cover

While UIM offers substantial protection, it doesn’t cover everything. There are a few key limitations you should know about:

Damage to your vehicle: In that case, you’ll need collision coverage, not UIM.

Accidents where you were at fault: UIM only applies when someone else is responsible.

Accidents outside of covered regions: Most policies only apply within the U.S. and Canada.

The Bottom Line

Think of underinsured motorist coverage as a safety net. It steps in when the other driver’s insurance simply isn’t enough to cover your injuries and financial losses. It’s a valuable layer of protection that can help you avoid major out-of-pocket costs after a serious accident. 

Navigating all of this on your own isn’t easy. Our Raleigh car accident attorneys can help guide you through the process. And remember, we don’t get paid unless you do. Call us today for a free consultation with our team at (919) 629-0851.