Many assume there’s no point in pursuing a claim if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. But with the right steps, you may be able to recover compensation through your insurance policy or even pursue legal action directly against the at-fault driver.
However, understanding the details of your insurance policy and negotiating with insurers can be difficult, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and emotional stress from the accident. At Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, our Athens car accident lawyer has helped many clients through the challenges of being hit by an uninsured driver. We can help you, too.
What to Do When Hit by an Uninsured Driver
The moments after a crash are crucial, especially when the at-fault driver is uninsured. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 Immediately. Even if the damage seems minor, you need a police report. This documentation is essential when dealing with insurance and any legal claims.
- Do Not Confront the Driver. Avoid arguments, especially if the other driver admits they don’t have insurance. Let the authorities handle it.
- Gather Evidence. Take photos of the vehicles, any damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, witness statements and contact information should be collected.
- Exchange Information. Get the other driver’s name, contact info, and license plate, even if they admit they’re uninsured.
- Get Medical Attention. Some injuries may not show up immediately. Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record that can support your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company. Let your insurer know you’ve been in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
- Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer. A personal injury attorney can help you deal with insurance and make sure you’re not stuck footing the bill for someone else’s mistake.
Your Legal Options After an Uninsured Driver Hits You
When you’re hit by someone without insurance, you have three key options:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): If you have this coverage in your policy, it can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: You have the legal right to sue the at-fault driver, even if they don’t have insurance.
- Medical Payments Coverage: If you have MedPay as part of your policy, it can help cover your immediate medical expenses.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia Works
Uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia pays for your injuries and damages if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance or if you’re involved in a hit-and-run. Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t automatically included in every policy, but Georgia law does require insurance companies to offer it.
Georgia offers two types of UM coverage: “add-on” and “reduced-by.” Add-on UM coverage stacks on top of whatever liability coverage the at-fault driver has, even if it’s minimal. For example, if the driver has $25,000 in coverage and you have $50,000 in add-on UM, you could access up to $75,000 total.
Reduced by UM subtracts the at-fault driver’s liability from your coverage. So if you have $50,000 in reduced-by coverage and the other driver has $25,000, you’d only be able to claim the remaining $25,000.
How an Attorney Can Help
At Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, we help people just like you take control of a situation that feels completely out of your hands. Here’s how we can make a difference:
1. Investigating the Accident
We’ll gather the facts, secure the police report, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed to prove the other driver’s negligence.
2. Handling Your Insurance Company
We know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts, and we fight back with evidence, strategy, and negotiation experience.
3. Filing Under Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you have uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia, we’ll help you file a strong claim, backed by proper documentation.
4. Maximizing Compensation
We’ll help you understand your coverage, fight for every dollar you’re entitled to, and pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress.
5. Taking the Case to Court
If the uninsured driver has assets or if your insurance company refuses to cooperate, we’ll take your case to trial.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys at 706.354.1000 for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, advise, and help you get compensation.