What If The Other Driver Was Uninsured Or Underinsured? Your Rights In An Atlanta Car Accident
Being injured in an Atlanta car accident is stressful enough, but finding out the at-fault driver has no insurance, or at least not enough to cover your losses, makes the situation even more overwhelming.
Unfortunately, uninsured and underinsured driver crashes happen every day in Atlanta, but there are still options to recover compensation. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer explains why these crashes are so common and how you may be able to get your losses covered.
Why Uninsured and Underinsured Driver Claims Are So Common in Georgia
Title 33 of the Georgia Code sets minimum auto insurance requirements. However, despite strict penalties, many Georgia drivers do not carry coverage or carry only the state minimums, which rarely cover the true cost of an Atlanta car accident.
When these drivers cause a crash, victims are left wondering what happens next. The situation is frustrating, but it occurs more than most people realize. Common reasons include:
- They lack a valid license or vehicle registration and can’t get insurance.
- They are unable or unwilling to pay for a policy.
- Intentional or unintentional lapses in coverage.
Regardless of why the driver was uninsured or underinsured, the financial impact falls on the victim.
How To Recover Compensation After an Uninsured or Underinsured Car Accident in Atlanta
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that nearly 20 percent of all Georgia drivers lack insurance. Even with mandatory minimums, another driver’s policy may not cover your costs in the event of an Atlanta car accident.
One of the most misunderstood parts of uninsured/underinsured accident claims is where compensation actually comes from. Georgia drivers often have layers of protection they may not be aware of. Recovery may come from:
- Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if the at-fault driver is uninsured.
- Your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which bridges the gap when the driver doesn’t have enough coverage.
- Stacked UM/UIM policies, if you have multiple vehicles or policies.
- Certain credit card travel or accident benefits.
- Health insurance while your claim progresses.
Insurers often don’t explain these options because paying the claim is against their financial interest. Having our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer review all potential sources ensures nothing gets overlooked.
For Help Navigating Your Options, Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today
Being in a car accident in Atlanta and finding out the other driver is uninsured or underinsured can leave you feeling powerless. You may worry you’ll never recover financially or that you’ll be stuck with bills you can’t afford.
Fortunately, there are multiple pathways to compensation. Shiver Hamilton Campbell helps injured victims understand their insurance coverage, negotiate with UM/UIM carriers, and pursue every dollar they are entitled to.
We serve clients in Alpharetta, Decatur, Johns Creek, Marietta, Roswell, Savannah, St. Simons Island, and all of Gwinnett, Fulton, and DeKalb Counties. Savannah, St. Simons Island. If you were in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer and request a consultation.
Sources:
ga.elaws.us/law/33
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
