If the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance, you can file for compensation through your insurance company, provided you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Alternatively, you can sue the at-fault party for damages.
In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, but it could present your only means of restitution in an accident with an uninsured driver. Civil lawsuits are time-consuming, and even if successful, you may not recover the full cost of your damages.
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured motorist, contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer for a free consultation. We can help you understand the law and decide how to move forward.
About Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Your own car insurance company provides uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. It is optional coverage, but most drivers have it unless they specifically opted out while buying their policy. If you are unsure whether you have this coverage, contact your insurance carrier to find out.
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How Much UM/UIM Coverage Should Drivers in Georgia Carry?
UM/UIM coverage helps pay for your damages if the driver who hits you does not have insurance or doesn’t carry the minimum insurance requirements. According to Geico, all drivers in Georgia must carry at least:
- $25,000 Bodily Injury Liability coverage per person
- $50,000 Bodily Injury Liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 Property Damage Liability coverage per accident
Insurance companies must also offer at least the following:
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage for $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist property damage coverage for $25,000 with a $250, $500, or $1000 deductible
If you have UM/UIM insurance, your damages should be covered up to these minimums. If the at-fault driver had some insurance but not enough to pay for your damages, your UM/UIM coverage will help pay for what their policy can’t.
New Uninsured Motorist Coverage
According to the Georgia Department of Insurance, a law passed in 2008 requires auto insurance carriers to offer “New Uninsured Motorist Coverage” that provides more protection at a higher premium.
If you have this new UM coverage and the other driver causes your injuries or property damage, your carrier should pay for your damages as well as the at-fault driver’s bodily injury and property damage liability coverage limits (up to your UM coverage limit).
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
If an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you, don’t wait to take action. You will need to file a claim with your own insurance company. The time to make these claims is usually very limited, and sometimes, you won’t have more than 30 days to get started.
After you make a claim, expect your insurance company to investigate. They will look into the nature of your injuries, the medical treatment you receive, and more. Your insurer should approach your claim fairly, but if you feel they are not acting in good faith, contact a car accident lawyer right away.
Can Standard Collision Coverage Cover the Accident?
You can add collision coverage to your policy, and while it costs extra, it will help you pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident. This is true whether you or the other driver are found to have been at fault for the accident or if you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Collision coverage covers just that – collision costs. In other words, it doesn’t apply to medical costs for your injuries, only the costs involved with fixing your car. And, of course, you can only take out as much as your maximum coverage will allow, so if your car costs more than that to repair, you’ll need to file a claim for the remainder.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Other Driver
If you have substantial damages that your UM/UIM insurance doesn’t come close to covering, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the uninsured or underinsured driver. This is typically an option in “fault” states like Georgia, where the at-fault driver is liable for all damages.
Before proceeding to court, you should talk this over carefully with a trusted car accident lawyer. They can look at the situation and advise you on the best course of action.
Most uninsured drivers don’t have insurance because they can’t afford it or have limited funds. So, if you try to sue them for your damages, and even if you obtain a judgment against them, there may not be many assets to draw on.
What If You Don’t Know the Identity of the Other Driver
It can be challenging to figure out what happens if the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance. What if the at-fault party disappears altogether?
A lawsuit is also only an option if you know who the at-fault driver is. If you suffered a hit and run, suing the driver will be impossible unless you can discover their identity.
While situations like this may be more complicated, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are out of luck. You can still seek compensation if authorities can eventually locate the suspect, especially if you hire an attorney to help you.
What to Do Right After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver
No matter how the accident happened with the uninsured driver or what you plan to do, the first step is gathering evidence. Here are some things you can do to begin building your case against the at-fault party in the car accident.
Call the Police to Report the Accident
In Georgia, you should report an accident to the police if there are any injuries and/or over $500 in property damage. After the collision happens, call 911 and tell the police you were in an accident.
The other driver might try to discourage you from calling the police or say they just want to handle the damages between the two of you. This is common for at-fault drivers who don’t have insurance, as they know they will be in trouble after the accident is reported.
You may feel bad, but you must consider your needs first. If you do not report the accident, you will lose any legal protections.
Take Pictures
Use your phone or a camera to photograph:
- The accident scene
- Your injuries (and injuries of any passengers)
- Vehicle damage
- Anything else you think is important for your case
If you suspect the other driver doesn’t have car insurance or is acting shifty, you might also take a picture or video of them, their vehicle, and their license plate.
Exchange Information
When the police respond to the scene, they will ask for this information, but it’s also a good idea to exchange it with the other driver while you wait:
- First and last name
- Contact information
- Insurance policy information
- Driver’s license numbers
Getting this information soon after the accident will also help protect you in case the other driver tries to shirk responsibility.
Tell Your Car Insurance Company
You will need to report the accident to your own insurance company, especially if the other driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage. You’ll be able to find out what your insurance covers in this situation.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have serious injuries that your UM/UIM insurance won’t cover, you should talk to an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you look at your options. You shouldn’t have to pay for the mistakes of another driver—even if they don’t have insurance.
See a Doctor
Make sure a medical professional sees your injuries as soon as possible after the accident. This will create a record showing the insurance company that you sought treatment very soon. It will also ensure your injuries are treated before they have the chance to get worse.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were in an accident, you may be concerned about what happens if the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance. You have options, even if they are more complicated than an accident where all drivers are insured.
At John Foy & Associates, we can go over the details of your situation and help you develop a plan of action. Our number one goal is getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
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