Getting into an automobile accident can be life-changing, stressful, frightening, or at the very least, inconvenient. If an accident is caused by an uninsured driver, this can add more stress to the victim’s life. Costly medical bills, pain, and suffering, and lost wages due to being unable to return to work can feel overwhelming if the driver who caused the accident has no insurance to cover your costs.
Liability insurance covers the injuries and damages another driver causes to someone else. Georgia law requires drivers to carry accident liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injury to two or more people, and $25,000 for property damage. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law, resulting in Georgia drivers on the road with no insurance.
UM/UIM COVERAGE
Uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UM coverage, is coverage your insurance company may allow you to purchase to protect yourself from the at-fault driver who is uninsured. It could also relieve the financial burden if the at-fault driver is underinsured. UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage may also be an option to purchase from your insurance company. Underinsured is a term used when a driver does not have enough insurance to compensate you for what happened.
For example, you carry $60,000 in UM coverage on your policy and the other driver is uninsured. Any costs you incur due to the accident are then paid by your UM insurance, up to $60,000. You can use the full amount of your UM coverage, up to the number of your damages.
When it comes to UIM coverage, if you carry $40,000 in UIM coverage and the accident will cost you $60,000 in medical bills and property repair, if the at-fault driver has liability insurance that will cover $25,000 of your costs, your UIM coverage will take care of the remaining $35,000. These examples, of course, are simplified and cases can be much more complicated. That’s why many accident victims seek the help of a knowledgeable attorney.
UM/UIM coverage is beneficial, but if you have already been in an accident with an uninsured driver and haven’t previously purchased extra coverage, it doesn’t help now. Should you be involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, you could be held liable for fixing your vehicle and for your medical bills, even if you weren’t responsible for the accident.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE
Check your insurance policy to understand the types of coverage you possess. Collision coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle after an accident with an uninsured driver. Regardless of fault, this is an optional coverage that pays for vehicle repairs. Medical payments coverage pays for your medical bills after an accident. Your health insurance may also be an option to help pay for your medical needs.
Being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver can be a complicated maze to navigate with insurance companies. You need a lawyer who knows the laws of Georgia and can help you explore every option for compensation. Call the Fry Law team at (404) 969-1284 to learn how we may be able to help you.
