When you’re on the road in Georgia, you expect that other drivers will have insurance to cover you in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, not every driver complies with Georgia’s mandatory insurance laws. If you’re injured in a crash caused by an uninsured motorist, you could be left with hefty medical bills, lost wages, and other damages — all paid out-of-pocket.
At The Jewkes Firm, we understand how overwhelming this can be. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping accident victims navigate their legal options, including the important protection known as uninsured motorist coverage. This page provides a detailed overview of uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia and explains how our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage — often abbreviated as UM coverage — is a type of auto insurance that protects you if you’re involved in a traffic accident caused by a driver who either has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to pay for your damages.
In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage covers bodily injury expenses for you and your passengers caused by:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage does NOT cover damage to your vehicle itself; that is covered under other types of insurance, such as collision coverage.
Despite Georgia’s minimum insurance requirements, uninsured and underinsured motorists remain a significant issue in the state. According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 12% of drivers in Georgia are uninsured. This means there are thousands of motorists on the road without proper insurance coverage, putting you at risk if you are involved in an accident with them.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, victims may struggle to recover compensation for:
Given the high cost of medical care and even minor injuries’ potential to cause long-term consequences, uninsured motorist coverage is essential protection for your financial security.
Georgia law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with the following minimum limits:
However, uninsured motorist coverage is optional in Georgia, meaning your insurer is not required by law to offer it, nor are you required to purchase it. Nevertheless, most insurance companies include uninsured motorist coverage as part of a standard auto insurance policy or offer it as an add-on.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can be the difference between financial devastation and full recovery after an accident with an uninsured driver.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver and suffer injuries, you can file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage essentially “steps into the shoes” of the at-fault party’s insurance to pay for your damages.
Here’s how the process typically works:
At The Jewkes Firm, we work closely with your insurance providers and handle all communication most effectively to ensure that your rights are protected at every step.
It’s important to note the limitations of uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia:
Knowing these limitations helps you plan and understand what additional protection you may need.
Because uninsured and underinsured motorists are common in Georgia, it is often recommended to purchase uninsured motorist coverage in limits equal to your bodily injury liability coverage. For example, if your liability limits are $25,000/$50,000, you should consider at least that much in UM coverage as well.
Higher limits provide better protection if you suffer severe injuries or if medical costs escalate.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, take these important steps:
At The Jewkes Firm, we provide free consultations to evaluate your case and determine the best strategy to secure your recovery.
Under your uninsured motorist coverage, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:
An experienced attorney can properly value these damages to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Handling uninsured motorist claims can be complicated. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. Navigating complex policy language, investigating the accident, and calculating fair compensation requires legal expertise.
Our Georgia personal injury attorneys at The Jewkes Firm will:
We understand how devastating an uninsured motorist injury can be, and we are committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run motorist anywhere in Georgia, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The Jewkes Firm has years of experience fighting for injury victims and recovering uninsured motorist benefits on their behalf.
Call us today at (770) 771-5130 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let The Jewkes Firm stand with you and protect your rights when you need it most.
Protect your future by understanding uninsured motorist coverage and securing the legal assistance you deserve.
The Jewkes Firm – Fighting for Georgia injury victims injured by uninsured drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia
What if the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover my injuries?
That situation involves underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), which is similar to UM coverage and is also recommended in Georgia.
Can I sue the uninsured motorist directly?
Yes, but if they have no assets or income, collecting damages can be difficult without insurance coverage.
Does UM coverage apply if the accident was a hit-and-run?
Yes, if the identity of the hit-and-run driver cannot be determined.
What if I was partially at fault?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so partial fault could reduce your recovery.
The Jewkes Firm is well-versed in effectively challenging major insurance companies on your behalf to secure the highest settlement permissible by law. Our primary objective is to ensure your optimal recovery. It is only after this point that we assess the worth of your case.
The timeframe for filing an injury case, also known as the statute of limitations, can vary significantly. As per OCGA §9-3-33, you are granted a two-year period from the date of your injuries or the passing of a family member to initiate your personal injury claim.
There is no upfront cost associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer. Our fees are based on a percentage of your settlement, meaning you only pay if we successfully recover compensation. Our top priority is ensuring your well-being and helping you return to your normal life.
A personal injury lawyer aims to establish negligence and seek restitution for the harm caused by the liable party. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, and income lost if you are a family member of someone who died as a result of an injury.
As South Atlanta's most trusted personal injury firm, we understand that being injured can be a traumatic and life-changing event. We fight for our clients to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.