Driving without insurance could result in fines, suspension of your driver’s license, future increases in insurance premiums, or even jail time. You could also be on the financial hook for the accident, which could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. Drivers must understand the risks and legal implications of driving without insurance coverage to follow state law and provide financial relief if a car accident occurs.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Georgia?
In Georgia, driving without insurance is a serious offense that can lead to multiple legal and financial repercussions. Some of the penalties you can face if caught driving without car insurance include:
- Fines – A misdemeanor charge for driving without insurance can come with a fine of $200 to $1,000.
- Imprisonment – In addition to the fine, a guilty verdict for driving without insurance could result in up to 12 months in prison.
- Driver’s license suspension – Having no insurance coverage can result in a driver’s license suspension for at least 60 days.
- Increased premiums – Insurance companies evaluate a driver’s potential risk when calculating their premiums. Drivers with lapses in coverage can face higher premiums if the insurers consider them a high-risk driver.
What Are the Liability Insurance Requirements in Georgia?
Every state mandates the minimum liability insurance required for driving a vehicle on state roads. Georgia’s liability insurance requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 for property damage liability
Liability insurance covers crash-related costs, such as injuries or damage suffered by other car accident victims in the crash – not those of the policyholder. Without liability insurance, an at-fault driver might be unable to pay for the consequences of an accident. Some drivers avoid this potential issue by opting for uninsured motorist coverage to protect themselves financially if they’re in an accident with an uninsured driver. This optional coverage acts in place of the at-fault driver’s missing liability insurance.
What If I Am At Fault for Causing a Car Accident Without Insurance?
By driving without car insurance, you already face numerous consequences – even without causing a car crash. However, if you’re at fault for causing a car accident while uninsured, you might have to pay out-of-pocket for the other driver’s expenses in addition to any criminal penalties you face. These out-of-pocket costs may include:
- Medical expenses – You may have to pay for medical bills associated with the other driver’s injury, including surgical costs, hospital or ER visits, occupational or physical therapy, and assistance devices. Research suggests that the average medical costs of a non-fatal car accident involving emergency department treatment are nearly $9,500.
- Vehicle repair – You may also have to cover repairs or replacement for vehicles damaged or totaled in the crash. The New York Times reports that the average cost of vehicle repairs is around $5,000.
- Lost wages – If the injured parties cannot work because of their injuries, you could be liable for the income they’ve lost as a result.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional suffering may not have a price tag attached to them, but they can seriously affect the cost of a car accident lawsuit. In many cases, these intangible losses double the value of an accident claim.
What If the Other Driver Is At Fault for the Accident, But I Do Not Have Insurance?
If the other driver is to blame for the collision but you’re uninsured, the situation can be challenging but not impossible. While you will likely have to face the criminal and administrative consequences of not having insurance, you should still be entitled to compensation from the driver who caused the accident. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can for help pursuing your car accident case.
What Should I Do After an Accident If I’m Uninsured?
If you find yourself involved in a car accident without insurance in Georgia, it’s essential to take action to protect yourself legally and financially. After an accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention – You should always get medical care after a car accident to check for injuries, even if you feel fine.
- Document everything – Write an account of the collision while your memory of the event is still fresh in your mind. Include every detail that you recall. This account should be a useful starting point for further investigation.
- Gather evidence – Request copies of your medical bills and keep track of related expenses. Document any wages you’ve lost while you’re unable to work. Save any photos you took of the accident scene and any other evidence you were able to collect. Keep all these items together in an evidence file.
- Avoid making statements – Do not admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as an admission of liability. Stick to factual information when discussing the crash with the other parties, police, or witnesses.
- Call an attorney – Contact a reputable car accident lawyer who handles uninsured motorist cases and request a free consultation. Bring your evidence file with you to the initial meeting. A lawyer can assess accident liability, handle insurer communications, and develop a defense strategy to mitigate potential consequences.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re injured in a traffic collision as an uninsured driver, you need a Georgia car accident attorney to guide you in your legal rights and options. It can be nerve-wracking to deal with a car crash, and you might feel like you’re handling it all alone.
At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we know how stressful car accidents and their aftermath can be, especially if you don’t have insurance. We can answer questions, address concerns, and comprehensively evaluate your case. Call us today to get started with your free consultation.
