Are You Covered? Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia
Driving on Georgia roads comes with its share of risks, one of which is encountering an uninsured or underinsured driver. While we all hope for safe travels, accidents happen, and the aftermath can be especially complicated when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. This is where Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage becomes essential. Let’s delve into what Georgia drivers should know about UM coverage.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist coverage is available to be purchased as a part of your auto insurance policy that steps in to protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or whose insurance is insufficient to cover the damages they’ve caused. In Georgia, this coverage is not mandatory but opting for it is a wise decision.
UM coverage can come in two forms:
– Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from bodily injuries to you or your passengers.
– Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): This helps with repair costs or the replacement of your vehicle and other property damage.
Why Do Georgia Drivers Need UM Coverage?
Consider this: The Insurance Information Institute indicates a significant percentage of drivers on the roads are uninsured. When an accident occurs with such a driver, without UM coverage, you could be left to handle medical bills and car repairs out of your pocket.
Zach’s thoughts: “Protect yourself first. If you drive on Georgia roadways, purchasing added-on (stacking) UM coverage is essential to make sure that you are definitely insured in the event you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.”
How Does UM Coverage Work in Georgia?
In Georgia, UM coverage is designed to fill the gap between the at-fault party’s insurance (if any) and the actual cost of your damages, up to the limits of your own policy. There are two types of UM coverage available in Georgia:
- Added-On (Stacking) Coverage: This type of coverage allows you to “add on” your UM coverage to the liability limits of the at-fault driver. For example, if you have $50,000 in UM coverage and the at-fault driver has $25,000 in liability coverage, you could potentially receive up to $75,000 for an accident.
- Reduced-by (Non-Stacking) Coverage: This is often less expensive and provides coverage only for the amount by which your UM limits exceed the at-fault driver’s liability limits.
The Benefits of Having UM Coverage
– Peace of Mind: Knowing that you’re covered, regardless of the other driver’s insurance status, can provide significant peace of mind.
– Protection Against Financial Loss: UM coverage helps protect you from incurring major financial losses due to medical bills or car repairs.
– Flexibility in Coverage: You have control over the limits of your UM coverage, which means you can choose how much protection you want (Zach recommends a minimum of $250,000.00 in coverage)
.png?width=1080&name=Untitled%20design%20(47).png "Legal Nurse COnsultant, Attorney, Paralegals, and Community Engagement Specialist")
About our team
At Meeks Impact Law, our team shares one purpose: helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We take pride in the small firm difference, where every client matters, every case receives personal attention, and our team works closely together to make sure no one feels lost in the process.
How to Use Your UM Coverage in Georgia
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist in Georgia, the process generally involves:
- Filing a Claim: Notify your insurer about the accident and express your intent to file a UM claim as soon as possible after the motor vehicle accident.
- Proof of Loss: You’ll need to provide evidence of the other driver’s uninsured status and the damages you sustained.
- Negotiation: In some cases, there may be a negotiation process with your insurer to arrive at a settlement amount.
- Legal Action: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, you may need to pursue legal action.
Having a skilled personal injury lawyer is important to make sure your coverage and claim are protected.
Final Thoughts
While we can’t control the actions of other drivers, we can certainly prepare for the unexpected. Uninsured Motorist coverage offers a layer of financial security that can make all the difference in the event of an accident. Georgia drivers should seriously consider this coverage as part of their overall insurance strategy.
At Meeks Impact Law, we understand the complexities of auto insurance claims involving uninsured motorists. If you’ve been in an accident and are struggling with an UM claim, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process and help safeguard your rights.
Need Assistance? Contact Meeks Impact Law for a consultation to discuss your coverage so we can help you protect yourself and your family on the road.
FAQs
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, since some injuries take time to appear. If possible, gather photos, witness names, and insurance details. Then, contact a Georgia personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and preserve valuable evidence.
The time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the type of accident and injury. For example, car wrecks, wrongful death cases, and injuries on unsafe property may all have different filing deadlines.
Because important evidence can disappear quickly, it is always best to contact our office as soon as possible after an accident. From the start, we work to preserve key evidence, ensure you are receiving the comprehensive medical care you need, and handle communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery while we focus on protecting your case.
In many Georgia personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, but certain circumstances can shorten or extend that timeline. Talk to our team to determine the statute of limitations related to your circumstances and how we can step in to help, today.
Every case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others take longer depending on the extent of your injuries, medical treatment, and negotiations with the insurance company. Our goal is always to move your case forward efficiently while protecting the full value of your claim.
The timeline can also be affected by external factors such as court scheduling, insurance companies delaying responses, or bad actors trying to avoid accountability. Even when the process takes time, our team stays proactive so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
Throughout the process, we make communication simple and consistent. You’ll receive regular updates on your case and have easy access to our team through a secure app right on your phone. It includes texting-style messaging and case updates at the touch of a button, so you’re never left wondering where things stand. Of course, we’re always happy to talk with you directly by phone whenever you prefer.
It’s common for insurance companies, or even the at-fault party, to offer quick compensation after an accident. These early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries, medical costs, or long-term needs are known. Accepting too soon can prevent you from recovering the full amount you’re entitled to.
Even if someone offers you money at the scene of the accident, that does not necessarily mean you don’t have a case. In many situations, those offers are an attempt to limit future liability. Our team can review the facts, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim may truly be worth before you make any decisions.
All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to get started. We only collect a fee if we secure an offer off recovery for you. This approach keeps our interests aligned with yours and ensures that we only succeed when you do. Every fee agreement is explained in writing before representation begins so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Getting started is simple. Reach out for a free consultation so our team can review your situation and help you understand your options. We will guide you through each step with clarity and care, answer your questions, and explain how we can begin building your case right away.
You can call (678)-341-5212, email Intake@meeksimpactlaw.com, or submit a message through our contact form to get started today.