Holding an uninsured driver responsible for an accident can be challenging. While you have the right to pursue legal action against them, many uninsured drivers lack the assets necessary to cover your bills. The good news is that depending on your insurance policy language, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation with your insurance carrier.
However, your insurance company may push back against paying your claim any way they can. When this happens, an East Point uninsured motorist accident lawyer from Bader Law Injury Lawyers may be able to help.
What We Do for Our Clients Who Were Injured By an Uninsured Motorist
Uninsured motorist accidents can be complicated. For instance, it can be challenging to know when it makes sense to file a lawsuit against the liable driver.
When we take your case, we will handle every aspect of the legal process for you. We will:
- Determine the details of your policy and tell you about your coverage
- Investigate your accident and assign liability
- Advise you on the potential of recovering awards through a lawsuit
- Gather evidence of negligence and of your losses
- Handle the insurance negotiations process for you
- Advise you on any settlement offers and keep you updated about your case
- Litigate on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary
- Protect your rights
- Seek a full, fair settlement that compensates you for your losses
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured motorist accidents lawyer serving East Point, call (404) 888-8888
Recoverable Damages in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Being in an accident with an uninsured motorist doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to recover compensation. We can tell you more about your options to file an insurance claim through your own coverage or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Depending on the legal options available, you may be able to recover some or all of the following:
- Medical bills, if you needed emergency room care, surgeries, hospitalizations, visits to a doctor or specialist, physical therapy, medications, and other treatment
- Lost income, including missed paychecks due to time spent in recovery
- Reduced earning capacity, if you are left unable to work as you did before the accident
- Pain and suffering, for your physical suffering and other challenges
East Point Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Insurance Coverage After Accidents with Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
Georgia law requires insurers to offer every motorist uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) with each liability policy. UIM coverage differs from liability coverage in that it pays benefits to the holder of an insurance policy when they are injured in an accident with an uninsured driver. This type of coverage also fills the gaps when the other driver has insurance that is inadequate in covering the full value of your claim.
While state law requires insurers to offer UIM coverage as part of every liability policy, this type of coverage is not mandatory. Insurance policyholders have the right to waive UIM coverage in writing. As UIM coverage usually raises monthly insurance premiums, many policyholders elect to waive this coverage.
Policyholders should think twice before waiving UIM coverage as UIM coverage usually mirrors the amount of liability insurance the driver carries. While the details of coverage will vary from policy to policy, many drivers also hold in their UIM policies:
- $25,000 per injury
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 in property damage coverage
After an accident, an East Point uninsured motorist lawyer from our team can help you determine if your policy includes UIM coverage. If it does, the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers can assist you in pursuing a claim with your insurance provider.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Like all states, Georgia requires drivers to take financial responsibility for any damage they cause to other motorists in an accident. The minimum levels of liability insurance required under state law are governed by O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11. These limits are the bare minimum coverage mandated by law.
These minimum coverage levels include at least:
- $25,000 per person injured in a crash
- $50,000 for total bodily injuries for two or more persons injured in a crash
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
These minimum levels of compensation are often insufficient to cover the expenses of a person injured in an accident. Insurance companies are only responsible for the cost of an accident up to the policy limits. This means a driver with minimum coverage levels that causes $50,000 in property damages is personally liable for half of that amount.
If you were in an accident with an underinsured driver, we can also help you understand your options and seek compensation.
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What to Do Following an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that roughly 12 percent of all drivers in Georgia lack auto insurance. Unfortunately, you are not alone if you are facing an accident with an uninsured driver.
The steps you take following a collision with an uninsured driver will largely depend on the type of insurance coverage you have. If your policy contains UIM coverage, your best option will likely be to file a claim on that policy. If you do not have UIM coverage, you may be limited to pursuing a lawsuit directly against the other driver.
Given the importance of your policy language, your first step should always be to identify the types of coverage that are available to you. If you choose to work with our team, we can handle this step for you and protect your legal rights following a crash.
If You Have UIM Coverage
The steps following an accident with an uninsured driver are straightforward if you have UIM coverage. You simply need to notify your carrier of the accident and file a claim. These steps might be complex, but an attorney from our team can do the heavy lifting throughout the claims process.
If You Lack UIM Coverage
You are not out of options if you lack UIM coverage. However, it is important to note that without UIM coverage your avenues to obtain the compensation you need could be limited. Most drivers that lack adequate liability insurance also lack the personal wealth needed to cover your bills. In some cases, the driver that caused your crash could be virtually judgment proof.
However, we may be able to identify and collect assets from the at-fault driver. Never assume that pursuing legal action against the responsible party won’t be worth it. We will work hard to seek results for you.
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Get a Free Consultation with Our Team to Learn Your Options
There is no need to panic when you learn the driver responsible for your accident lacks insurance. If you have UIM coverage, Bader Law Injury Lawyers can assist with pursuing a claim for the damages you need.
Likewise, our team of skilled attorneys can help you hold the uninsured driver accountable through a personal injury lawsuit. To discuss your legal options with our team, call (404) 888-8888 for your free consultation. An East Point uninsured motorist accident lawyer from our team may be able to help.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
