Being involved in a car accident is already stressful. But when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, it adds another layer of complexity and tension. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Georgia is the seventh worst state for uninsured drivers, where 18 percent of motorists don’t have insurance.
If you have been in a crash caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver’s negligence, R. Alan Cleveland, LLC can explain your rights and options for financial recovery. Call our office today for a free consultation with an Athens uninsured motorist accident lawyer about how we can help you seek the money you need.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Contents
- 1 What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
- 2 What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Georgia?
- 3 Why Would Someone Drive Without Insurance in Athens?
- 4 What Do I Do If I Am in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Athens?
- 5 What Damages Will UM/UIM Coverage Pay?
- 6 How Long Do I Have to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Georgia?
- 7 Contact an Athens Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are types of auto insurance. They are designed to protect you if you are in an accident caused by a driver who either has no insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for the harm they caused. UM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver is uninsured, while UIM coverage applies if the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover all your expenses. You can also use your UM coverage in case of a hit-and-run accident.
Both types of coverage can be vital in a state like Georgia, where car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers are more common than you might think. Even if you have excellent health insurance or collision coverage, UM/UIM insurance helps cover out-of-pocket costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation expenses. Our Athens uninsured accident attorney can help.
What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Georgia?
Georgia law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. The state minimum insurance coverage limits are currently:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Despite these legal requirements, some drivers in Athens still take the risk of driving without any insurance at all, leaving others vulnerable in case of a crash. Plus, while these limits offer a basic level of protection, they are often not enough to cover the costs of a severe accident. That’s why many drivers opt for additional UM/UIM coverage.
Why Would Someone Drive Without Insurance in Athens?
There are several reasons why someone might drive without insurance in Athens, such as:
- Financial struggles – Some drivers may find it difficult to afford car insurance, especially younger drivers, students, or people with lower incomes. Although insurance is required by law, some people take the risk of driving without it to save money.
- Lapsed policies – In some cases, drivers may forget to renew their policies or their policies may be canceled due to non-payment or other reasons.
- Not knowing the legal requirements – Some people, particularly those new to the area, may not fully understand Georgia’s insurance requirements.
Regardless of the reason, driving without insurance is illegal. When an uninsured driver causes a car crash, the burden can fall on the victim to find avenues for compensation. Contact our Athens car accident lawyer today for assistance.
What Do I Do If I Am in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Athens?
If you are in a car wreck with an uninsured driver in Athens, follow these steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:
- Call 911 – Always contact the authorities, even if the collision seems minor. A police report is essential in documenting the crash and proving the other driver is uninsured.
- Gather information – Collect as much information as possible at the scene, including the other driver’s name, contact information, and vehicle details. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Notify your insurance company – If you have UM/UIM coverage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the crash. They will guide you through the claims process and explain how your coverage applies.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms, and medical records will be crucial in your claim.
- Consult an attorney – Dealing with an uninsured motorist claim can be complicated. Having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer representing you can make all the difference in seeking fair compensation.
What Damages Will UM/UIM Coverage Pay?
If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it can cover a wide range of damages resulting from an accident. These damages typically include the following, up to the limits of your policy:
- Coverage for your medical bills, including hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and any ongoing medical treatments
- Future medical expenses if you require long-term care or rehabilitation
- Compensation for lost income if your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs to replace or repair your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident
An experienced Athens uninsured motorist accident lawyer will help assess the full value of your claim, ensuring that you seek the compensation you deserve. If necessary, they can also pursue different options for compensation, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Our Athens uninsured motorist accident lawyer office is located here.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Georgia?
In some cases, you may have to file a lawsuit to get the compensation you need to cover your losses. In Georgia, the time limit for filing a car accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the crash. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and the timeline can be affected by various factors. It’s crucial to consult an Athens uninsured motorist accident attorney as soon as possible after your collision to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Additionally, your insurance policy may include specific requirements for notifying the company of a potential UM/UIM claim. Failing to meet their requirements could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
Contact an Athens Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. At R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, we understand the financial and emotional toll a serious accident can have on your life. Our team can guide you through the process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
We have recovered over $150 million in compensation for injury victims, including a $1.4 million wrongful death settlement for a trucking crash. Clients say we have “great service and provided advice in a manner that was easy to understand.”
Plus, we offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we secure compensation for you. Contact us today for your free case evaluation and learn how we can help protect your rights after an uninsured motorist accident.