Some forms of insurance are optional, and others are required by law. Car insurance up to certain minimums is a requirement in most states, to cover bodily injuries and property damage. Other forms of coverage, such as personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage may also be included. Drivers can purchase additional coverage and higher policy limits if they choose.
Even though insurance is mandatory and has numerous benefits, the Insurance Information Institute (III) has found that about one in ten drivers in Georgia does not have adequate auto insurance. If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be unable to seek compensation for your damages from them unless you have an uninsured motorist policy or take the case to court.
For assistance with such cases, please contact the Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team at (404) 888-8888. A Savannah uninsured motorist accident lawyer from our team may be able to help you identify your legal options.
Damages from Uninsured Motorist Accidents
On the surface, uninsured motorist accidents can appear to be just like accidents with drivers who have insurance. They can involve another driver, a motorcyclist, a bicyclist, a pedestrian, or roadside property. Likewise, uninsured motorist accidents can occur due to driver inexperience, unclear signage, poor weather, vehicle malfunctions, or driver negligence.
These accidents can lead to a wide range of damages, including injuries and financial losses. Examples of economic damages you may face include:
- Lost income during your recovery period.
- Lower income earning potential.
- Cost of hospital stays and medical treatment.
- Property damage.
- The cost to repair or replace your vehicle.
Rehabilitation expenses and assistive device costs may be included in your medical treatment damages. In addition, you may experience non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish related to your injuries.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, different forms of evidence—and different thresholds of compensation—will apply to your accident.
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured motorist accidents lawyer serving Savannah, call (404) 888-8888
Georgia Car Insurance Coverage
As mentioned above, there are different types of coverage and different coverage limits that drivers can purchase to satisfy the insurance requirements in Georgia. Examples of different policies and limits are given below:
- Basic insurance coverage usually provides between $25,000 and $50,000 in coverage for property damage and bodily injuries caused to another driver in an accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is now automatically added on to Georgia insurance policies to cover you in the event of an accident with an uninsured motorist. You can choose to opt out by submitting a request in writing.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) is optional in Georgia and can cover you irrespective of who was at fault for an accident. It usually only covers medical bills and personal injuries suffered by you or your passengers, and only kicks in after you exceed other insurance limits.
A lawyer may be able to help you determine which of your insurance policies apply in your case. In most cases, the first policy to kick in is the insurance policy of the at-fault driver. With uninsured driver accidents, your uninsured motorist coverage should kick in instead.
PIP coverage can also apply if you exceed the limits of your uninsured motorist policy. It is important to note, however, that these policies may not cover all of your losses from the accident, and non-economic damages are not included.
Savannah Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Suing for Damages After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist
The costs of an accident can be substantial, and it is unfair for you to have to bear this burden because of the reckless actions of another party. In some cases, seeking compensation from other means, such as via a civil lawsuit, may be the only option you have.
You can sue for damages if your losses exceed the coverage limits of your insurance policies. This often happens in cases involving catastrophic injuries that exceed a certain threshold. Serious, life-altering injuries that qualify as catastrophic may entitle you to sue for pain, suffering, and other damages beyond your policy limits. Examples include:
- The death of a loved one.
- Losing a body part, either via amputation or paralysis.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Incapacitating injuries that make it difficult or impossible to perform basic work duties or everyday tasks.
To seek damages that fall within the catastrophic injury threshold, you must provide medical evidence of your injuries. You may also need the testimony of a medical expert to testify that the injuries you sustained are diminishing your quality of life. The Savannah uninsured motorist accident lawyer on the Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team can assist you with this process. Please call us at (404) 888-8888 to learn how.
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How a Lawyer Can Help With an Uninsured Motorist Case
We are here to help you get through the traumatic aftermath of your uninsured motorist accident. Please call us to learn more about how we can help you:
- Gather evidence to support your claim.
- Identify the insurance rules and policy limits that apply to your case.
- File your paperwork with the right agencies and insurance departments to facilitate the claims process.
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
- Quantify your losses and damages.
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Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today
There is a strict statute of limitations within which you must file if you want to seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. In Georgia, this time limit is two years from the day your accident occurs. Missing your filing window, not collecting the right evidence, or not meeting other regulatory, insurance, or administrative steps can harm your case.
Please contact the Bader Scott Injury Lawyer team today at (404) 888-8888 for assistance with evidence collecting and filing a claim. Our Savannah uninsured motorist accident lawyer provides free case evaluations and may be able to help you with your case.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
