The fear can be heightened if the person responsible for your damage does not have car insurance.
Many drivers are underinsured, or do not have insurance at all. It can be difficult for victims to cope with the financial burden that can result from a serious injury. You can get advice from a personal injury attorney in your area if you are involved in an accident. Continue reading to learn what you should do next.
Post-Accident Steps
Georgia requires all drivers to have liability Insurance before getting behind the wheel to drive. Some drivers, however, either do not follow the law or allow their coverage to expire unknowingly. Some drivers choose to drive without insurance, or have inadequate coverage for the damages they cause. Call 911 if you are involved in an accident involving such drivers.
Avoid leaving the accident site without contacting the police, even if there are no visible injuries. In some states, this could be considered a crime. Document the accident by taking pictures of the vehicle damage and gathering witnesses’ testimonies. Also, make sure you collect the contact information for the other driver.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) can be your safety net if the driver at fault does not have insurance. Many insurance companies offer UIM coverage for injuries. UIM may not cover vehicle damages unless accompanied by ‘Uninsured Driver Property Damage Coverage’.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage may be available in cases where the driver at fault has insurance but it is not sufficient. This coverage is optional but it can help supplement the coverage provided by another driver for your losses. In the event of either type of insurance claim, you should initiate the process as quickly as possible. This means within 30 days after the accident.
Other Coverage Option
Other coverage options such as collision protection for vehicle damage, or personal injury protection (PIP) for injuries may be available without uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You may have to pay for any repair costs, medical expenses, or car rental fees if you don’t have coverage. You can then seek compensation from the party at fault.
Personal Injury Protection or MedPay Coverage
In states that do not have mandatory no-fault insurance, such as Georgia, which has a fault-based system, drivers may purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and ‘Medical payments’ (MedPay), to cover the medical costs incurred after an accident involving an uninsured motorist.
PIP and MedPay allow you to file claims as soon as your medical bills are incurred. Speak to a personal injury lawyer if you are unsure of your options.
Collision Coverage
The collision coverage is an optional insurance option that will pay for repairs to your vehicle if you or the other driver are at fault, and if they’re not insured. It does not cover injuries, and the amount of coverage you have can limit its use. Check your policies to make sure you are covered when you need it.
Filing A Lawsuit Against An Uninsured Motorist
An experienced lawyer can help you sue an uninsured motorist. The driver may have insufficient assets to collect the money. Talk to a professional lawyer about your options.
Security for the Future
It can be difficult to navigate an accident with an uninsured, or underinsured, driver. These situations can be an opportunity to review your insurance coverage. Maintaining comprehensive coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision, and personal injury protection, could save you when you need it most.
Understanding the details of your coverage can also give you and your legal team confidence in how you will respond to an accident. A skilled attorney can hold uninsured or underinsured drivers responsible for damages caused. Personal injury lawyers are often paid contingently. This means they won’t be paid until you receive compensation.