When you get into an accident in Georgia, you will likely expect that the other driver’s insurance will cover your damages if he or she is at-fault for the collision. The Insurance Information Institute (III) suggests that 12% of Georgia drivers do not have auto insurance, though.
When an uninsured driver is at fault, you may still be able to file a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage in your policy. If an uninsured driver caused your car accident and you did not have this coverage at the time, it can make recovering compensation more difficult.
You have the right to seek out an Atlanta uninsured car accident attorney after such a collision, as he or she can help you fight for the payment you deserve, whether you have additional coverage or not. A lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help you navigate the uninsured driver claims process or pursue a lawsuit against the driver on your behalf.
Our firm works on contingency, so you will pay nothing until you receive a settlement or award. Call (844) 730-0233 now to set up a free review of your case.
Car Insurance Requirements in Georgia
Under Statute O.C.G.A. § 40-6-10, the State of Georgia requires all licensed drivers to purchase a certain amount of insurance coverage to operate a vehicle. This includes a minimum of bodily injury liability coverage and coverage for property damage, as follows:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per crash
- $25,000 for any property damage
Along with this mandatory coverage, O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11 requires all Georgia insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage to drivers. While it is optional, uninsured motorist insurance can provide you with additional coverage in accidents involving drivers with minimal to no insurance. It can also help in hit-and-run incidents when law enforcement is unable to locate the at-fault driver.
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured car accidents lawyer serving Atlanta, call (844) 730-0233
Consequences of a Collision with an Uninsured Driver
Unfortunately, many drivers across Georgia and the United States fail to purchase insurance coverage. Others may purchase the bare minimum, which may not be enough to cover the damages from an accident. This can make it more difficult to receive the compensation you deserve, as Georgia is not a no-fault state.
In no-fault states, drivers approach their own insurers with a claim after a collision, regardless of who is at fault. Georgia, however, requires drivers to submit claims to the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the at-fault driver in your case is uninsured or underinsured, this means you will need to seek another means of recovering compensation.
This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes in handy. If you do not have uninsured motorist insurance on your policy, you will likely need to pursue a lawsuit to receive an award. An Atlanta uninsured car accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can offer assistance in both of these areas in order to help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Atlanta Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Pursuing Compensation from an Uninsured Driver
The process of pursuing an award from an uninsured driver in Georgia depends on whether or not you have uninsured motorist insurance. While uninsured motorist insurance is optional in Georgia, you would have had to send a letter to your insurance company rejecting the coverage if you did not want it.
As such, one of the first steps you should take after an accident is to check your auto insurance policy. If you do have this coverage, you can proceed through the claims process with your own insurance company. Otherwise, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit against the driver.
In either case, you will need to have evidence to prove the uninsured driver’s liability for the collision. Depending on where and how your accident occurred, this may include:
- A police report
- Traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Phone records, if you believe the driver was texting while driving
- Photographs from the scene
- Medical records linking your injuries to the accident
Once you have this evidence, you can proceed to build your claim or case.
With Uninsured Motorist Coverage
When you have uninsured driver coverage, you can submit your claim and evidence to your insurance company. Uninsured motorist insurance can generally cover the same losses as traditional auto coverage, including bodily injuries and destruction of property. If you lost a loved one to a collision involving an uninsured motorist, your loved one’s uninsured motorist coverage may also cover loss of consortium and wrongful death costs.
Without Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, your only avenue for recovering damage after such an accident is a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit against an uninsured driver is similar to a lawsuit in a regular car accident case, in that you will still need to prove liability. You can also request many of the same damages, as long as you have relevant evidence to support the value you place on your claim.
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Reach Out to an Atlanta Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer
Ben Crump Law, PLLC is here to help victims of auto accidents in which the at-fault driver has little to no insurance. Our firm does not shy away from cases involving uninsured drivers. We aim to help our clients receive just compensation for their injuries. Victims of negligent actions should not have to choose between seeking medical treatment or potentially causing themselves more harm in the face of high medical bills.
We feel the same way about legal representation, which is why we operate on contingency. If you decide to work with us, you do not owe any attorney fees unless we secure compensation in your case.
Call (844) 730-0233 today to learn about your possible legal options in a free case review with our firm.
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