If an uninsured driver hits you in Georgia, you can seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, file a personal injury lawsuit against the motorist who caused the accident, or pursue a claim through your collision or medical coverage, depending on your policy.
The reality is concerning: According to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 1 in 7 drivers on America’s roads lack proper insurance coverage. This means your risk of encountering an uninsured driver is significant. Working with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney can help you overcome the frustrations and challenges of this situation.
What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Georgia?
As an at-fault state for car accidents, Georgia law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to protect others on the road. The minimum insurance requirements include:
- Bodily Injury Liability of $25,000 Per Person and $50,000 Per Accident – This covers medical expenses and other costs if you cause injuries to others in an accident.
- Property Damage Liability of $25,000 Per Accident – This pays for repairs or replacement of other people’s property that you damage in an accident.
While these minimums provide basic protection, they often fall short of covering severe accident costs. Many individuals with significant injuries face situations where minimum coverage proves inadequate for covering medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses after a serious crash.
Why Do Some Drivers Not Carry Insurance?
Despite Georgia’s mandatory insurance laws, many motorists choose to drive without coverage. Some claim they cannot afford the premiums, while others let their policies lapse due to missed payments. A few may simply ignore the law, putting everyone else on the road at risk.
The numbers tell a troubling story. The Insurance Information Institute reports that Georgia has become a hotspot for uninsured driving, with our state now ranking seventh nationwide for uninsured motorists. This means when you’re on Atlanta’s highways, roughly 18 percent of the drivers sharing the road with you lack proper insurance coverage.
If caught, these uninsured drivers face serious consequences, including license suspension, fines, and registration revocation. However, these penalties often pale compared to the financial burden they could place on innocent victims in an accident. Contact our Atlanta car accident attorney today.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage serves as your financial shield when an uninsured driver hits you. While Georgia law doesn’t require this coverage, it is strongly recommended to have this coverage to protect you in the event that the at-fault party lacks the required coverage.
UM coverage typically helps pay for:
- Medical Expenses from Your Injuries – This includes emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages if You Cannot Work – Your policy can help replace income lost during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering – You may be eligible for compensation for the physical and emotional effects of your injuries.
- Vehicle Repairs or Replacement – Coverage for damage to your car when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
UM coverage can make the difference between financial stability and devastating debt after an accident. Insurance companies must offer you this coverage when you purchase a policy, though you can decline it in writing. While many policyholders elect to forgo UM coverage to save money, the consequences can be significant in the aftermath of an unexpected event.
What Should I Do If I Am Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Georgia?
If you discover the driver who hit you has no insurance, take these essential steps to protect your rights:
- Call the Police Immediately – Make sure officers create an official accident report documenting that the other driver lacks insurance.
- Document Everything – Take photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, and the accident scene. Get contact information from any witnesses who can corroborate your version of events.
- Seek Medical Care – Get examined by a healthcare provider right away, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and a thorough examination can catch problems early enough to significantly improve your prognosis.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the accident, but stick to the basic facts. Don’t give recorded statements without speaking to an attorney. Many people unwittingly damage their insurance claims by saying more than they need to when seeking compensation.
- Gather Information – Write down the other driver’s name, contact details, and license plate number. If they flee the scene, try to remember everything you can about the appearance of the vehicle and the driver.
- Keep Records – Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and documents related to missed work or other expenses caused by the accident. These forms will constitute a significant aspect of the evidence you submit with your claim.
- Consult with a Car Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible – Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can optimize your case by giving you the support and advocacy you need and deserve at this difficult time.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Being hit by an uninsured driver in Georgia can leave you feeling frustrated and uncertain about your next steps. However, these incidents shouldn’t leave you struggling with medical bills and vehicle repairs on your own.
At Bayuk Pratt, we bring over 50 years of combined legal experience to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our unique background as former senior partners at elite defense firms gives us powerful insight into how insurance companies handle these cases. We’ve recovered more than $300 million for our clients because we know exactly how the other side thinks and operates.
You may have more options than you realize, even if the driver who hit you has no insurance. Our battle-tested trial lawyers will examine every possible avenue for compensation, including:
- Your uninsured motorist coverage
- Your collision coverage
- Your medical payments coverage
- A personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver
- Claims against other potentially liable parties
Don’t let an uninsured driver derail your life. Contact Bayuk Pratt today for a free consultation about your case. You’ll pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us now.
