All registered vehicles in Georgia must be covered by automobile insurance. The minimum insurance policy amounts are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash in bodily injury liability coverage, and $25,000 per crash in property damage liability coverage. Being injured in an accident with an uninsured driver can make recovering compensation more complicated, but a skilled Georgia car accident lawyer can explain your options.
What Will Georgia Car Insurance Pay For?
Georgia car insurance provides financial protection for vehicle owners and drivers if an accident happens. The state-mandated minimum requirements include liability insurance coverage for another person’s injuries and property damage in a car crash you caused.
Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses for the accident victim. Property damage liability covers the cost of repairing or replacing the other party’s vehicle or property.
In addition to these mandatory coverages, Georgia drivers can opt for additional insurance to protect themselves and their vehicles in the event of an accident. However, Georgia car insurance companies set policy limits on how much they will pay for a crash. This is why it’s crucial to carefully consider your coverage needs and select a policy that provides adequate protection.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is a type of insurance policy that can help pay for your losses if you are involved in a collision with a driver who does not have insurance. While some states require UM insurance coverage, Georgia does not.
At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we strongly recommend purchasing UM coverage as part of your policy. Why? Around 18 percent of Georgia motorists are uninsured, which means you could end up in a sticky financial situation if you sustain injuries in a crash that is not your fault. Without UM insurance, you may be left to pay for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other losses out of pocket — and without substantial savings, you may struggle to make ends meet.
Georgia also does not require motorists to purchase underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), a protection that covers expenses if a driver with insufficient insurance coverage hits you. Medical costs are no joke in Georgia. It’s easy to exhaust the state’s minimum insurance requirements if you or a loved one sustains a serious injury. Once you reach the other driver’s policy limits, their insurance company won’t pay any more, even if your losses exceed those limits. UIM can step in to cover the difference. Purchasing these add-ons for your policy provides much-needed protection if the worst happens.
What Happens if an Uninsured Driver Hits Me?
If an uninsured driver hits you in Georgia, you may face challenges in recovering compensation for your losses and injuries. In this situation, your own insurance coverage becomes crucial. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company to help cover your losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
In either circumstance, working with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney who can help you overcome the difficulties of dealing with an uninsured driver and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation is essential.
What Happens if I Have No Insurance and Hit Another Driver?
Driving without insurance in Georgia is illegal and can result in severe consequences. If you are involved in an accident and do not have insurance, you may face legal penalties, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. Furthermore, you may be held civilly liable for any damages or injuries caused by the accident. The other party can sue you for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Without insurance, you would be responsible for paying these costs, which can be financially devastating.
Maintaining the minimum required car insurance coverage in Georgia at all times is essential to avoid these consequences and ensure that you have protection in the event of an accident.
Will My Insurance Cover Me in an Out-of-State Crash?
In most cases, your Georgia car insurance policy will provide coverage even if you are involved in an accident in another state. Most insurance policies follow the vehicle rather than the location of the accident.
However, it is important to note that insurance requirements and laws vary by state. Some states may have higher minimum coverage requirements than Georgia. When that happens, your insurance policy limits will typically increase to meet that state’s minimums.
After an out-of-state crash, it is a good idea to review your legal options with an experienced car accident attorney. State laws vary, particularly regarding negligence and determining liability.
For example, if you live in Georgia but get hit by a driver in Virginia, Virginia’s contributory negligence law will apply when you file a car accident claim seeking compensation for your injuries. Unlike Georgia, contributory negligence rules prevent you from recovering compensation if you are as little as one percent responsible for a wreck. That makes it easier for the other driver’s insurance company to push fault for the accident onto you, potentially leaving you with no compensation.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Georgia Now
It can be confusing to understand insurance coverage and how it applies when a car accident happens. Talk to the proven car accident attorneys at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. about your case. Our personal injury lawyers can help interpret your policy and ensure the insurance company complies with its obligations to pay you full and fair compensation.
Our law firm has been serving the West Georgia area for over 30 years and is proud to have earned a reputation for being hardworking, honest, and attentive. Let us stand up for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
