If you’re in a car accident in Warner Robins, you are supposed to exchange insurance information with the other driver. But as many as 12% of Georgia’s motorists don’t have insurance. When these uninsured drivers cause accidents, there’s no policy to pay for your injuries and costs.
Or, you may learn that the other driver has some insurance, but not enough. If you’ve been hurt in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, there is hope. You can still recover money for your injuries, but you need to talk to a good Warner Robins uninsured motorist accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been recovering money in uninsured and underinsured motorist accident cases for more than 20 years. Our practice is devoted to protecting the rights of victims, regardless of whether the people who caused the accident had insurance or not.
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s irresponsible choice. Let John Foy & Associates give you a free consultation to talk about your case and explore your options.
Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
What Costs Can I Recover in an Uninsured Motorist Case?
In the City of Warner Robins and the State of Georgia, you can recover all your costs from the driver who caused the accident. Legally, this makes Georgia a “fault state”—and the rules are the same whether there’s insurance involved or not. You can get 100% of your costs from an uninsured driver, with the potential for even larger cash awards for serious injuries. Typical costs and damages include:
- Medical expenses
- The cost of prescription drugs
- The cost of physical therapy
- Car repair bills, or replacing a totaled car
- Lost pay, if you missed work because of the accident
Your damages may be higher if you have ongoing physical pain, disabilities or other severe conditions. Judges know that money can’t make you whole or restore the life you once had. But we have seen money make a huge impact on the lives of victims who went from crushing medical debt to a future where they could feel financially secure and able to afford the care and treatment they need.
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What Should I Do If I Have an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
No matter what the insurance situation, your priority should always be to get emergency medical care for those who need it—including yourself. If you can, there are additional things you can do that will help document what happened and protect your rights. Uninsured drivers are eager to avoid responsibility, so it’s important to look out for your own interests.
- Call the police. Don’t be surprised if the other driver tries to talk you out of it. You don’t have to justify yourself. Georgia law requires you to report any accident involving injuries or significant property damage. A police report is important evidence that will help prove how your accident happened and who is at fault.
- Don’t get upset or angry. The other driver may yell at you, call you names or blame you. Ignore this and stay calm. In particular, don’t argue, apologize or accept blame if you weren’t at fault. Anything you say at the scene can be used against you later.
- Get some photos. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to both vehicles, and any injuries. Memories can be flawed and statements can be misinterpreted, but photos provide an accurate record of what happened.
- Speak to people at the scene. Talk to bystanders and people who stopped to help. Find out if they saw anything, and get their contact information.
- Go to the doctor. Many people leave the scene of an accident thinking their injuries aren’t serious and will probably get better on their own. But many car accident injures only get worse if you don’t treat them, meaning a longer and more difficult recovery. In addition, your claim will be stronger if you get diagnosed by a doctor right away.
The final step you should take is to make an appointment with a good uninsured motorist accident lawyer. Many people are able to recover money in an uninsured motorist claim, but it’s extremely difficult without a lawyer’s assistance.
How Will I Get Money If the Driver didn’t Have Insurance?
There are several ways to get money in an uninsured motorist claim, and the best approach will depend on the circumstances of your accident. First, you should understand that vehicle owners in Warner Robins are supposed to meet minimum insurance requirements:
- Bodily injury insurance of at least $25,000 per victim
- Bodily injury insurance of at least $50,000 total
- Property insurance of at least $25,000
This minimum insurance might be enough to cover the cost of a minor fender-bender, but it won’t come close to paying for the losses suffered in a major wreck. The local courts handle many cases where there isn’t enough insurance money to go around.
When this happens, they order the victims to be compensated in another way. Your lawyer might ask the judge to award money from any of these sources:
- The uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in your own insurance policy
- Other insurance policies that cover the accident
- The other driver, through an order requiring the driver to pay you out of his or her own pocket
- The other driver’s real estate or other property, through a lien placed on it
These approaches require investigation and problem-solving, so it’s important to get an attorney working on your case as soon as you can. A lawyer can take over the legal process, working to get you a full financial recovery. This frees you to focus on your own healing.
Talk to a Warner Robins Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer for Free
At John Foy & Associates, we are committed to getting you the legal help you need after an accident. We will sit down with you for a free consultation to talk about your claim. We won’t charge you any money up front, and nothing ever unless we win you money.
Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
478-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form