Every driver in South Dakota takes a risk when they get behind the wheel. Even if you are very safety-conscious while driving, you could cross paths with someone who is unsafe at the wheel.
Typically, after an unfortunate encounter on the South Dakota roads, you can rely on motor vehicle insurance to protect you. Often, drivers want to make a claim against the other driver’s policy, but sometimes the person who causes the crash doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have nearly enough to pay all of the costs that come from the crash.
What protects you from massive financial losses after a collision caused by a driver without insurance?
Your policy can help you cover those expenses
South Dakota requires uninsured and underinsured motorist protection. Although most states only mandate liability coverage for drivers, South Dakota requires underinsured and uninsured motorist protection as well.
This coverage specifically applies to expenses caused by bodily injury in a crash. You can carry a significant amount of uninsured driver coverage to protect yourself against medical costs from major injuries, like spinal cord injuries. When the other driver has very little coverage or no policy at all, you can make a claim against your policy to cover your medical bills.
Sometimes, those forced to use their own policy will want to hold the other driver accountable. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit in the South Dakota civil courts when a driver causes a crash and does not have the necessary insurance to reimburse you for the damages that result.
Knowing your rights after a motor vehicle collision will help you reduce the financial losses you suffer.