Posted on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Did you know that Georgia is among the top 10 states with the highest percentage of uninsured motorists as of 2022? With 18.1% of uninsured motorists in the state, you are more likely to be involved in a car accident in Georgia where the at-fault driver is uninsured. If this happens, you need to file a lawsuit against the uninsured party to seek compensation for your injuries.
However, the process of recovering compensation may be challenging if the at-fault party lacks the resources to cover the losses. Driving without insurance is not only illegal but creates a frustrating predicament for victims seeking compensation.
Fortunately, victims of uninsured drivers have options, one of which may include making a claim against their own insurance policy. A Georgia car accident lawyer at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., will evaluate your case to determine the best avenue for seeking financial recovery. Here, you will learn more about the options available following an accident with an uninsured driver in Georgia.
Georgia’s Insurance Requirements
Georgia Code § 40-6-10 (2023) requires that all drivers carry a minimum level of auto insurance coverage, which includes:
- Bodily injury liability. $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident
- Property damage liability. $25,000 per incident
Despite these requirements, some drivers operate vehicles without insurance, putting others at financial risk in the event of an accident.
Georgia law additionally requires insurance companies to offer their customers uninsured motorist coverage and to reject it in writing if they do not want it. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can make a claim on your insurance policy to cover losses caused by an uninsured motorist.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver
Following a car accident with an uninsured driver in Georgia, you need to stay calm in the chaos and take actions that may help you build a strong case when it’s time to pursue legal action. Here are the steps to take:
Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Immediately after a collision with an uninsured driver, your first priority should be your safety and the safety of others involved. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if there are serious injuries. Call for police assistance, and the attending office should document the incident for an official accident report.
Gather Information
While the uninsured driver may not have insurance information to share, you should still collect:
- Their name, address, and contact details
- Details about their vehicle (make, model, license plate number)
- Contact information of any witnesses
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene
This evidence will be helpful for your insurance claim or legal case.
Go to the Hospital
Sometimes, it is possible to feel fine after an accident as a result of being in shock. However, you should always be sure to get checked by a medical professional after a crash. Some injuries may not develop symptoms immediately after a crash, yet they could develop into serious conditions later.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you may be able to file a claim under your own policy. UM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement.
Importantly, you should retain a lawyer even if you are making a claim on your own insurance policy. Insurance companies always do everything they can to minimize payouts, even for their own customers. An attorney can protect your rights and make sure you do not say the wrong thing to adjusters.
Call Your Attorney
Finally, you should always contact your attorney after any accident, especially one with an uninsured motorist. Your attorney will evaluate your claim, determine your legal options, and protect your rights through the claims process.
Call an Uninsured Accident Attorney in Georgia Today
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Georgia, don’t despair. You still have avenues to explore to pursue a claim. An uninsured accident attorney at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. will help you explore your options for seeking resources to cover your losses and injuries. We understand the challenges associated with such cases, and we are ready to support your claim to a logical conclusion. Call us at 770-205-8887 to schedule a free case evaluation.