Georgia law requires every motorist to carry liability insurance coverage. Yet approximately one in eight Georgia drivers are not insured. If you are injured in an accident with an uninsured driver — or with a driver who has insurance but not enough — you will need to know how to go about getting financial compensation.

In Georgia, you initially pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance. The law requires every motorist to carry liability coverage of a at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. But even if the at-fault driver has the minimum coverage, it may not be enough to fully compensate you.

That is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage comes in. Although not mandatory in Georgia, this coverage must be offered when drivers first purchase their liability policies. UM/UIM is usually included in these policies and you will have this coverage unless you specifically opted out in writing. To determine if you have UM/UIM coverage, check the declarations page of your policy, call your insurance provider or have your attorney review your policy for you.

Assuming you have UM/UIM insurance, it can provide coverage in auto accidents involving:

  • An at-fault driver with no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries and property damage
  • An at-fault driver whose insurance company denies the claim
  • A hit and run, where the identity of the at-fault driver is unknown
  • Injuries sustained while you were a pedestrian or riding a bicycle
  • Situations where you gave your spouse, child or other party consent to operate your vehicle

In order to make a successful UM/UIM claim, you will need to prove to your insurance company that the uninsured or underinsured motorist was responsible for the accident. In some ways, this means your own insurance company becomes your opponent. The company can defend itself and try to deny your claim.

This is where an attorney’s assistance may be helpful. Insurance companies tend to treat unrepresented claimants offhandedly, even if it’s your own insurer. When you have an attorney, the company knows you are serious and will not allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

If you have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist in the Atlanta area, please reach out to the attorneys of Jason & Bradley, LLC. We work hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve. Please call 404-297-9933 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.