There's been one injury collision every 13.6 minutes in South Carolina in recent years. If you're in an auto accident and need medical care, do you have the best coverage in place to receive care? 

A South Carolina independent insurance agent can answer this and other questions you have about car insurance. 

Who Pays for Medical Care after a Car Accident?

South Carolina is an "at-fault" state, which means that any accidents that involve more than one vehicle are likely to result in one person being considered the guilty party. That person can be held legally liable for any costs incurred from the entire accident for both parties.

This means that if you were in an accident that was not your fault, the other driver would be held responsible for paying for your medical care. The at-fault driver's liability coverage would pay the claim. The same goes if you caused an accident with injury. Your liability coverage would pay for the medical care of the other driver and passengers.

Suppose you were the at-fault driver or had medical costs above and beyond what the other driver would cover. In that case, you could receive coverage for medical care through your health insurance or other coverages that we'll discuss shortly.

Is Liability Insurance Mandatory in South Carolina?

Yes, state law mandates that all people operating a vehicle in South Carolina have liability coverage in the form of bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

You're required to carry the following minimums in these coverages:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 for all persons injured in one accident
• $25,000 for all property damage in one accident
• Uninsured motorists coverage equal to the minimum amounts of liability coverage (25/50/25)

The state must also offer drivers underinsured motorist coverage, but it's not mandatory to purchase.

Whatever the requirements, it’s important to give your independent insurance agent details of your personal situation to find the best options.   

What Other Coverages Does My Car Insurance Include?

Outside of mandatory coverages, you have several options for adding additional coverages to your policy.

The most common types of additional coverages include:

• Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault. 
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft. 
• Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement: This covers if your vehicle breaks down while on the road and you need roadside assistance or if you need to rent a car while yours is in the shop getting repaired.
• Medical payments coverage: This can help pay for medical expenses for the driver and passengers regardless of fault. Limits are usually between $1,000 and $5,000.
• Umbrella coverage: This provides liability coverage above and beyond your standard liability limits. It can cover injuries, property damage, certain lawsuits, and personal liability claims. 
• Underinsured motorist coverage: This covers costs from an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance.

What If There Was a Hit and Run?

In the unfortunate event of a hit and run, you'd be left alone on the road having to deal with any damage to your vehicle and yourself. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist coverage would help you cover the damage. If you experienced injuries, your medical payments coverage would step in. 

Even though uninsured motorist insurance is required by law, it's worth speaking with your agent about your policy limits so that you have enough in the event of a hit and run. 

If you are in a hit and run, it's best to contact your independent insurance agent as soon as possible. They can guide you through the proper steps to take. If possible, try to remember the following details about the accident:

All of this information helps the police find the person that hit you. If they can find them, they can be charged for the damage and reimburse your insurance company.

What Are the Best Options for Medical Coverage after an Accident in South Carolina?

The average emergency room visit costs $2,200. This number can escalate quickly depending on the extent of your injuries. There are several options for getting assistance for medical care after an accident.

• Personal health insurance: This insurance extends to coverage for injuries sustained in an auto accident. It's always a good idea to compare your costs for different hospitals and doctors. Often, prices differ depending on whether you go to urgent care vs. emergency care, or a primary care physician vs. a specialist.
• Medical payments coverage: Medical payments coverage is designed specifically to cover auto injury-related costs, regardless of who caused the accident. This insurance is optional, but your agent can help you secure this coverage.

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent?

A South Carolina independent insurance agent is an expert in all things car insurance. They understand the state laws and can help you secure mandatory and suggested coverages.

If you're in an accident, an agent is just a phone call away and ready to assist you through the claims process.