While all drivers must have insurance, some do not. The primary reason a driver does not have insurance is that they cannot afford it. In other cases, a person has insurance, but it is not enough to cover all the damage in a car accident.
In either instance, the other driver must take legal action to recover compensation. Luckily, you will have some avenues you can try to cover all of your losses after an accident. However, you must first contact a Clarkston personal injury lawyer from John Foy & Associates to determine the best route.
The Laws Governing Uninsured Motorists in Georgia
State laws in Georgia require all drivers to carry car insurance. The minimum limits for these policies are $25,000 for Bodily Injury per person and $50,000 per accident. Property damage liability is at $25,000 as well. While this can seem high, they are not when an accident happens.
Without a legal representative, you may be left to pay for any damages and expenses outside the insurance policy’s scope. Medical bills are expensive, and you may go beyond the policy limit for a minor injury. When you consider a serious injury, the chances that you will not be able to pay for your expenses are higher.
While we know that these limits are small, that is the law. To combat these concerns, car insurance companies offer drivers the option to purchase UM coverage. The coverage will pay excess expenses when you are in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist.
Another legal option would be to file a claim against the driver for their assets. This option is not often advisable because most drivers who cannot afford insurance do not have substantial assets, but it is an option. To find the best legal solution, speak to John Foy & Associates.
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The Difference Between Underinsured and Uninsured Motorists
While the two legal terms seem similar, they are not. An uninsured motorist has zero insurance. They are illegally driving since it is a requirement by law to have insurance.
An underinsured motorist has the state minimum requirements for insurance, but it does not cover your injuries or property damage during an accident. Some insurance companies will argue that their insurer is only responsible for a certain amount, and you cannot get anything beyond that. The insurance company will do this so you do not get additional funds needed to recover, and they can close the claim.
You cannot take further action against the driver or insurance company when you accept the settlement offer.
Insurance adjusters will do this so motorists do not continue to get medical treatment and find additional injuries from the accident. The adjusters want to save as much money as possible, often at your expense. Do not take a settlement without a consultation with a Clarkston uninsured motorist attorney first.
What Happens After an Accident
A lot will happen after an accident, and the process may seem to move quickly. You will need to get medical attention immediately. You will also need to call John Foy & Associates.
In some accidents, the negligent driver may go to jail for their illegal actions. Even if the uninsured driver who hit you is in prison, you will still be able to file a claim. The driver will even suffer punitive damages if they are incarcerated for your accident.
If you have UM coverage, you might be able to file a claim with your insurance company for the difference. However, do not make any legal or financial decisions until you speak with an uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Clarkston. Having a local uninsured motorist lawyer on your side is vital because the insurance company is not considering your best interest, only theirs.
The goal of a Clarkston insurance adjuster is to close a claim quickly and without much fuss. They will try to pressure you to take a settlement even before you know the severity of your injuries. That is why it is vital to seek legal guidance from a lawyer.
Collecting Compensation in an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist
You can get compensation for your uninsured motorist accident even if the driver does not have sufficient insurance to cover your losses. The insurance company will work to convince you otherwise, but we know their tactics. They are more willing to negotiate if a Clarkston uninsured motorist attorney is involved.
You can obtain payment for all reasonable expenses and losses from the accident. You will also be able to garner compensation for future losses. You can get damage awards for:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Loss of future earnings
- Prescription costs
Remember, Clarkston personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, so they do not get paid until a settlement is awarded. The firm will handle all of the costs if there is no settlement. In either case, you will pay nothing for your losses and legal representation. You cannot lose when you enlist the help of an uninsured motorist layer in Clarkston.
Why You Need a Clarkston Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Under the law, you cannot see an increase in your insurance premium if you are not at fault for the accident. You cannot face an insurance increase even when you file a UM claim. There are other legal options available when the driver who was the cause of your accident does not have insurance.
There have been instances where John Foy & Associates has sought compensation from a parent’s insurance company when the person lives with their parents.
Call John Foy & Associates in Clarkston Today
John Foy & Associates will look for every available compensation avenue for your claim. Our goal is to help accident victims of uninsured motorists in the Clarkston area. We understand this is a challenging and confusing time, but it is vital to have adequate legal representation so you can focus on your physical healing.
After an accident with an uninsured motorist, you must contact a Clarkston uninsured motorist accident lawyer. Do not hesitate to call the office of John Foy & Associate, as there are stringent deadlines for these cases.
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