Statistical data indicate that 12.4% drivers in Georgia do not carry mandatory liability insurance. Uninsured motorist accidents are extremely likely to happen to anyone. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, you need to contact a skilled Douglasville car accident lawyer to figure out how to get compensation for your damages.
Let us explain the particular complexities of this type of car crashes.
Your Own Liability Insurance Will Not Cover Your Damages
After the other driver tells you that they do not have auto liability insurance, you may still feel at ease, because you know that you are insured. The minimum coverage amounts in Georgia are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
However, this type of insurance will only cover the damages you cause to another person in a car accident. It will not cover your own damages, even if you prove that you were not at fault for the crash.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit against the Uninsured Driver
The most obvious way of recovering damages after an uninsured motorist accident is by suing the at-fault driver directly. However, this may not be a guarantee that you will actually collect any compensatory amount.
You need to consider why the driver was uninsured. The penalties for driving without insurance are significant. This offense is a misdemeanor, punishable with:
- Between $200 and $1,000 fine
- Up to 12 months in jail
- License suspension between 60 and 90 days
People who would risk such penalties and having a criminal record most often do not afford to purchase even the minimum insurance coverage. Even if you win the lawsuit, you would be unable to collect the judgment, because the defendant does not have any assets that can be seized.
Other Options for Securing Compensation after an Uninsured Motorist Crash
When you consult with a Douglasville car accident lawyer after being hit by an uninsured driver, one of the things they will ask is if you have any supplemental car insurance. This is the most certain way of getting financial compensation after a crash.
These types of insurance policies are not mandatory. However, since there are so many uninsured drivers on Georgia roads and highways, it is a good idea to have at least one of the following types of optional insurance:
1. Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage
This type of auto insurance will pay for your own damages if you are hit by an uninsured driver or when the driver’s insurance does not cover all your economic and non-economic damages.
2. PIP Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your medical costs and lost wages after a car crash. Most importantly, you do not have to prove fault to benefit from the coverage.
3. Collision Insurance
Collision insurance, also known as full coverage, includes both the mandatory liability insurance and coverage for your own damages. After the insurer covers your damages, it will pursue reimbursement from the at-fault party.
Discuss Your Recovery Options with a Douglasville Car Accident Lawyer!
If you are hit by an uninsured driver, do not lose hope of recovering damages. An experienced Douglasville car accident lawyer may decide that it’s worthwhile pursuing the at-fault driver in court. Or they can help you file a claim against your own optional insurance coverage.
However, make sure that you report the car accident and seek medical care immediately after the crash, in order to be able to prove your damages and their cause. And do not forget that the statute of limitations in Georgia for filing a personal injury lawsuit is just 2 years after the date of your crash.
The best decision is to contact us and schedule an initial free consultation at 678-825-6004!
