You’ve likely heard that receiving full compensation for losses after a car accident is a challenge at the best of times. But what if you’ve been hit by an uninsured motorist? Unfortunately, this situation is vastly more complicated than a typical accident, and obtaining compensation can be extremely difficult. How can you protect yourself and ensure that you aren’t left with unpaid medical bills, or find yourself without the funds to purchase a replacement vehicle?
Uninsured Motorists are Common
When you are involved in an accident, one of your top priorities should be exchanging insurance information with the other driver. Ideally, you should learn whether they are insured or not within a few minutes of the accident’s occurrence. Even though all drivers in Georgia are legally required to have auto insurance, nearly 13% of all motorists in Georgia are uninsured. This figure alone should concern any law-abiding motorist in the state – statistically speaking, 1 in 8 of the motorists you pass on the street are not insured.
After an accident, the last thing you want to learn is that your medical bills and vehicle expenses cannot be covered by the at-fault driver. But don’t lose hope – you have options that can help offset your losses.
Protecting Yourself Before an Accident Occurs
Considering the rate of uninsured drivers in Georgia, some motorists choose to be proactive and protect themselves by adding Uninsured Motorist (UM) riders to their auto insurance policies. This add-on coverage provides additional protection if you are hit by an uninsured or under-insured driver. In Georgia, the state requires that all drivers have minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. While this might sound sufficient, even a few minor injuries can create tremendous medical costs.
In addition to providing additional protection when you have been harmed by an uninsured motorist, a UM rider also typically covers damages caused by hit-and-run drivers who remain unidentified. It also can offer crucial protection if you are hit by another driver as a cyclist or pedestrian.
Unsure of your Rights?
As is the case in any motor vehicle collision, contacting your own insurance company to inform them of the accident should be your top priority. Give enough information to get the claims process started, but avoid an in-depth conversation until you have consulted with an attorney. Insurance policies are often difficult to understand and full of legal terminology, so consult a lawyer to be sure you are receiving proper compensation from your insurer.
If you discover that the at-fault driver is uninsured or under-insured, immediately seek legal counsel. A qualified personal injury attorney will be able to assess your situation and offer you advice on how to recover your losses and ensure that you receive proper compensation.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you or a family member has been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact us for a free consultation and let us evaluate your situation. At Lazenby Law Group, we can assess your insurance coverage and help you seek appropriate compensation for your losses. Contact us today for a prompt response and expert legal counsel.
