At 770GOODLAW, Car Accident Lawyers, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with a car accident—especially when the other driver is uninsured. Unfortunately, not all drivers carry insurance, and if you find yourself in this situation, recovering compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage can become more complicated. Here’s a guide to help you navigate accidents involving uninsured motorists in Georgia.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Here are the steps to take:
Check for Injuries: First, ensure everyone involved is safe and seek medical attention if needed. Even if you feel fine, it’s smart to visit a doctor since some injuries, like whiplash, might not show symptoms immediately.
Call the Police: Always contact law enforcement after an accident, especially if the other driver is uninsured. A police report is crucial for documenting the accident and will be helpful for insurance purposes. Make sure to provide an accurate account of the event.
Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Collect information from the other driver, including their name, contact details, and driver’s license number. Even if they don’t have insurance, their information will be useful in any potential legal proceedings.
Speak with Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their statements may help strengthen your case later on.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if the other driver is uninsured. Georgia law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless they opted out of it in writing. If you have UM coverage, it can help cover the costs.
How Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Works
Georgia law mandates that insurance companies offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto policy. This type of coverage steps in to protect you when the at-fault driver does not have insurance, or if they have insufficient insurance (underinsured motorist, or UIM coverage).
If you have UM/UIM coverage, it can help pay for:
Medical bills: To cover injuries sustained in the accident.
Vehicle repairs: For damage to your car that the uninsured driver would have been responsible for.
Lost wages: If the accident causes you to miss work.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional and physical toll of the accident.
What if You Don’t Have UM Coverage?
If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, you may still have options, but they can be more limited. Here are a few potential steps to take:
Personal Health Insurance: Your health insurance may cover some of the medical costs related to your injuries.
Collision Coverage: If you have collision coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it may cover repairs to your vehicle, even if the other driver was uninsured.
Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: You can file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to seek compensation. However, this option can be challenging if the driver doesn’t have the financial resources to pay a settlement or judgment.
Why Having UM Coverage Is Important
Uninsured motorist coverage provides valuable protection in situations like these. Without it, recovering compensation can be difficult, especially if the at-fault driver lacks the ability to pay. UM coverage is relatively affordable and could make a significant difference in your ability to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
How 770GOODLAW Can Help
Handling an accident involving an uninsured motorist can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At 770GOODLAW, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help guide you through the legal process, review your insurance policy, and work to maximize your compensation.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist in Georgia, contact 770GOODLAW today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
