From Accident to Action — Georgia Injury Law
In this episode of Peachtree Injury Talk, attorney Jordan Jewkes discusses the critical aspects of personal injury law in Georgia. Jordan shares insights from his
The Uninsured Dilemma — Legal Options After A Wreck
Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes
Tune In to Peachtree Injury Talk!
The Uninsured Dilemma — Legal Options After A Wreck
In a recent episode of Peachtree Injury Talk, host Kevin Rosenquist engages with attorney Jordan Jewkes to discuss the landscape of uninsured and underinsured motorists in Georgia. Jordan elaborates on the concept of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, stressing its critical role in shielding drivers from financial hardship stemming from insufficient insurance held by negligent drivers. Given that Georgia’s minimum auto insurance requirement is merely $25,000, Jordan underscores the inherent risks and advocates for drivers to contemplate acquiring additional coverage to adequately protect against severe injuries. Tune in to gain insights into enhancing your road safety and becoming well-versed in your insurance choices.
| 00:00 | Narrator: Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk with attorney Jordan Jewkes. |
| 00:05 | Kevin Rosenquist: Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk with experienced attorney Jordan Jewkes. Thanks for being here. My name is Kevin Rosenquist, and I am your host. Today, we're going to talk about uninsured and underinsured motorists in Georgia. Hey Jordan, how are you doing? |
| 00:20 | Jordan Jewkes: Hey Kevin, I'm doing really well. Thanks for having me back. |
| 00:23 | Kevin Rosenquist: Absolutely. It's good to see you. Can you explain the current state of uninsured and underinsured motorists in Georgia? |
| 00:30 | Jordan Jewkes: Yeah, that’s a great question. So first, let me explain what uninsured motorist coverage is. It may sound like a mouthful, but it’s actually pretty simple. It’s coverage you can buy through your own auto insurance policy to protect yourself in case the person who causes an accident either doesn’t have any insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages—like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. To give it some context, in Georgia, the legal minimum amount of liability insurance you’re required to carry is $25,000. But not everyone actually buys insurance—even though they’re supposed to. Uninsured motorist coverage allows you to protect yourself beyond what the other driver may—or may not—have. If you’re seriously injured in a wreck, $25,000 doesn’t go very far. |
| 01:40 | Kevin Rosenquist: Yeah, $25,000 in a serious accident is barely going to touch the surface. |
| 01:46 | Jordan Jewkes: Exactly. One of the golden rules of insurance is: you can never have too much. That goes for your personal, home, business, and definitely your uninsured motorist coverage. If you’re not sure what to buy, err on the side of more. It’s the best way to protect yourself as a driver. |
| 02:08 | Kevin Rosenquist: Obviously, not everyone follows the law. What are some reasons people end up without uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage? |
| 02:20 | Jordan Jewkes: The number one reason is money. Insurance costs money, and not everyone has it. Sometimes people forget to pay their premium, maybe they’ve got an emergency that month, and their policy gets canceled. They might have even intended to pay but didn’t get around to it in time. Unfortunately, if they then cause a wreck, they’re uninsured—even if they didn’t realize their policy had lapsed. And you’d be surprised how often that happens. We have clients who were injured, went to the ER, and then we dig into the case and find out the other driver’s policy was canceled a week before the wreck. That means there’s no insurance to cover the damages. |
| 03:25 | Kevin Rosenquist: Yeah, that’s a tough situation. We’ve talked before about Georgia being a fault state. How does that impact these types of claims? |
| 03:33 | Jordan Jewkes: Great question. In Georgia, we operate under an at-fault system. That means the driver who is at fault is responsible for compensating the injured party—whether it’s medical bills, pain and suffering, or lost wages. But if that at-fault driver has little or no insurance, the only way for you to recover fully is through your own uninsured motorist policy. That’s why it’s so important to carry enough of it. You’re protecting yourself from people who are either irresponsible or simply can’t afford coverage. |
| 04:21 | Kevin Rosenquist: What options does a victim have for seeking compensation after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver? |
| 04:29 | Jordan Jewkes: First and foremost, report the accident to your own insurance company. Most policies—and Georgia law—require you to do that within a “reasonable” amount of time. That’s the first step in triggering your uninsured motorist coverage. Some people hesitate to report it because they’re worried about their rates going up, or they trust the at-fault driver’s insurance will take care of it. But nine times out of ten, it doesn’t work out that way. So, notify your insurer, even if you’re unsure whether you’ll file a claim. And it’s best to contact a trusted personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process. |
| 05:31 | Kevin Rosenquist: What are some of the biggest challenges in dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver? |
| 05:38 | Jordan Jewkes: The biggest challenge is that you're largely on your own. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, and you don’t have sufficient coverage yourself, it’s very difficult to get the care or compensation you need—especially if you don’t have good health insurance or access to treatment. That’s why I tell everyone: assume that the person who hits you has no insurance. Protect yourself. Match your uninsured motorist coverage to your liability limits. If you carry $100,000 in liability coverage, carry $100,000 in UM coverage too. Also, get a good health insurance policy. It can be a lifesaver when the at-fault driver can’t pay for your care. |
| 07:10 | Kevin Rosenquist: Yeah, and people may think, “Well, if it’s not my fault, I’ll sue the other driver.” But if they don’t have money or assets, that’s a dead end. |
| 07:23 | Jordan Jewkes: Exactly. People ask me all the time if they can sue the other driver. You can—but if that person doesn’t have assets, it’s not going to help. Someone who can’t afford a $25,000 policy likely doesn’t have a house, savings, or anything else a court could seize. And in most of those cases, they’ll just declare bankruptcy. That wipes out your lawsuit and you’re left with nothing. |
| 08:35 | Kevin Rosenquist: Yeah, that’s definitely something people don’t consider when they’re shopping for insurance. They’re just looking for the cheapest rate. |
| 08:44 | Jordan Jewkes: Right—and a lot of agents will try to help people lower that monthly bill. Often, the first thing they suggest cutting is the uninsured motorist coverage. And that’s a huge mistake. You’ll hear, “Do I really need that?” The answer is: yes, you do. It’s the cheapest coverage you can buy dollar-for-dollar. If your liability policy is $100 a month, UM might only be $3–$5 more. The protection it gives you is worth so much more than the savings you might see by removing it. |
| 09:35 | Kevin Rosenquist: Every time we talk, I feel like I need to check my policy again. |
| 09:38 | Jordan Jewkes: Yeah, sorry about that! But seriously, talk to your agent at least once or twice a year. Life changes—your insurance should too. |
| 09:50 | Kevin Rosenquist: Do you have a real-life case example you could share? |
| 09:56 | Jordan Jewkes: I could give you five off the top of my head. It’s that common. We’ll get a client who was hit by another driver, they’ve seen a chiropractor or been to the ER, and now they’re being referred to an orthopedist or a spine specialist. They get an MRI, maybe need physical therapy or injections, and possibly even surgery. If the at-fault driver only has $25,000 in coverage, that’s nowhere near enough to cover those expenses. But if our client wisely purchased $50,000 or $100,000 in uninsured motorist coverage, then we can go after both policies—the at-fault driver's $25K and our client’s UM policy on top of that. That extra protection can make a huge difference. |
| 11:46 | Kevin Rosenquist: Earlier you mentioned rate increases. Is that something people should be worried about when filing a claim? |
| 11:59 | Jordan Jewkes: It’s a valid concern. People worry, “If I make a claim, my rates will go up.” But here’s the thing: in Georgia, the law says insurance companies cannot raise your rates for making a no-fault claim. So, if you were rear-ended and had no responsibility, and you need to file an uninsured motorist claim, they can’t penalize you with a rate hike for that. |
| 12:58 | Kevin Rosenquist: That’s good to know. I don’t think a lot of people realize that. |
| 12:59 | Jordan Jewkes: Right. The flip side is, insurance companies raise rates all the time—for any reason. Wildfires in California? They’ll raise your rates in Georgia. A rough hurricane season? Same thing. So, rates may go up anyway—but they’re not supposed to go up because you made a no-fault UM claim. |
| 13:44 | Kevin Rosenquist: What steps should drivers take to make sure they have enough coverage? |
| 13:48 | Jordan Jewkes: Review your policy. Talk to your agent. Make sure your uninsured motorist coverage matches your liability limits. And here’s something really important: there are two types of UM coverage—reduced-by and stacked (or excess) coverage. If you have reduced-by coverage and the other driver has $25,000 and you also have $25,000 in UM, it’s reduced to zero—you get nothing extra. But if you have stacked coverage, you can add it on top. So you’d have $50,000 total. It’s a small difference in cost, but it makes a huge difference in coverage. Always go with excess or stacked UM if possible. |
| 16:00 | Kevin Rosenquist: Are uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages typically bundled together? |
| 16:04 | Jordan Jewkes: Yes, for most people there’s no practical difference. They’re generally treated the same. But remember, liability coverage is required in Georgia; uninsured motorist coverage is optional. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right policy—and the right type of coverage—when you’re signing up. |
| 16:43 | Kevin Rosenquist: Great advice as always. Well, thanks for joining us here on Peachtree Injury Talk with attorney Jordan Jewkes. If you'd like to connect with Jordan, visit jewkesfirm.com (http://jewkesfirm.com)—that’s J-E-W-K-E-S firm dot com. And of course, don’t forget to like and subscribe. Jordan, always great talking to you—thanks again. |
| 17:03 | Jordan Jewkes: Thanks, Kevin. Appreciate it. |
| 17:05 | Narrator: Thanks for watching. Be sure to hit that like and subscribe button and leave us a review in the comments. |
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Peachtree Injury Talk
Peachtree Injury Talk is a podcast by Kevin Rosenquist featuring legal insights and practical advice from Georgia-based attorney Jordan Jewkes. The show focuses on personal injury law, offering listeners expert guidance on navigating insurance claims, understanding legal processes, and protecting their rights after an accident. Each episode dives into real-life case examples, common challenges injured individuals face, and actionable tips for dealing with insurance companies and legal hurdles.
Tort Reform Unpacked — What It Is, Why It Matters, and Who’s Impacted
Episode Summary
In this episode, Jordan Jewkes and host Kevin Rosenquist tackle the hot topic of tort reform in Georgia. What exactly is tort reform, and why does it matter to you? Jordan breaks down the basics, explaining how legislative changes could impact the rights of individuals seeking compensation for injuries. The discussion explores key players behind tort reform—including insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and large corporations—and how their influence shapes these laws. Jordan also sheds light on the McDonald’s hot coffee case, a landmark lawsuit often used to justify tort reform. The conversation then turns to real-world impacts, using Texas as a case study to determine whether tort reform has achieved its promised outcomes, such as lower insurance premiums.
Throughout the episode, Jordan shares his perspective on why tort reform often benefits large corporations at the expense of individual rights and access to fair compensation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the broader implications of these laws, particularly for marginalized communities and individuals who suffer life-changing injuries.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes
00:06 – Introduction to today’s topic: Tort Reform in Georgia
00:30 – What is tort reform, and why is it controversial?
01:45 – How does tort reform impact the average person?
04:12 – Who benefits the most from tort reform? (Hint: Insurance companies)
05:18 – The McDonald’s hot coffee case: A misunderstood lawsuit
07:38 – Why proponents of tort reform push for legislative caps
08:52 – How tort reform has played out in Texas
10:50 – The reality of insurance premiums: Have they actually decreased?
12:28 – Who opposes tort reform, and why?
14:16 – How tort reform affects settlements and jury trials
16:05 – Case example: When tort reform caps hurt injured individuals
17:06 – Why blanket caps on damages don’t work for every case
18:00 – Final thoughts: The importance of fair access to justice
About the Show
Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes, a podcast dedicated to giving injured victims a voice and providing strong advocacy against an often broken system. Hosted by attorney Jordan Dukes and Kevin Rosenquist, this show dives into legal topics that impact individuals, businesses, and communities, offering expert insights into personal injury law and justice.
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Peachtree Injury Talk with Jordan Jewkes
The Uninsured Dilemma — Legal Options After a Wreck breaks down uninsured and underinsured motorists in Georgia. The conversation centers around the importance of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, the challenges drivers face when dealing with uninsured drivers, and best practices for protecting oneself from these risks.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Jordan begins by explaining what uninsured motorist coverage is: it is an additional protection that drivers can buy through their auto insurance policies to cover damages if the driver responsible for an accident lacks insurance or sufficient coverage. In Georgia, the legal minimum liability insurance is $25,000, which is often insufficient in serious accidents. This highlights the need for extra UM coverage, as the basic minimum may not fully cover medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Jordan advises drivers to err on the side of more coverage to protect themselves adequately.
Why Many Drivers Lack Proper UM Coverage
A key reason many drivers end up without proper UM coverage is the cost of insurance. Some drivers may let their policies lapse due to financial reasons, which can lead to situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance, leaving the injured party without compensation. Jordan explains that this is not uncommon, with some clients discovering that the insurance company had canceled the other driver’s policy just before the accident.
Georgia’s Fault-Based Insurance System and UM Coverage
Georgia’s fault-based insurance system requires the at-fault driver to compensate the injured party. However, if the responsible driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can only recover fully through your own UM coverage. Jordan stresses the importance of carrying enough UM coverage, as it shields drivers from those who lack insurance or cannot afford sufficient coverage.
Reporting Accidents with Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
When involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, Jordan advises victims to report the accident to their insurance company promptly. Although some drivers fear that filing a claim will increase their premiums, Jordan reassures that in Georgia, the law prohibits rate increases for no-fault claims, such as those involving uninsured motorist coverage.
Challenges in Seeking Compensation from Uninsured Drivers
Jordan also discusses the difficulties of seeking compensation from an uninsured driver. If the at-fault driver lacks assets, a lawsuit is often ineffective because the individual may not have anything for the court to seize, and bankruptcy can wipe out any judgment. Thus, purchasing adequate UM coverage is crucial, as it offers additional protection beyond the at-fault driver’s minimal insurance.
Real-Life Example of UM Coverage Benefits
He shares a real-life example where a client injured in an accident needed medical care that far exceeded the $25,000 coverage of the at-fault driver. With proper UM coverage, the client was able to file claims against both the at-fault driver’s policy and their own, significantly easing the financial burden.
Reviewing and Understanding UM Coverage Options
Lastly, Jordan advises drivers to regularly review their insurance policies, especially their UM coverage. He explains the differences between reduced-by and stacked UM coverage, emphasizing that stacked coverage is preferable as it allows the victim to add their UM coverage on top of the at-fault driver’s policy, providing more financial protection.
The episode concludes with a reminder for drivers to talk to their insurance agents to ensure they have sufficient UM coverage, and for viewers to subscribe and review the podcast. For more information, reach out to The Jewkes Law Firm at (770) 771-5130.
The Uninsured Dilemma — Legal Options After A Wreck
Welcome to Peachtree Injury Talk—your essential podcast for navigating the often bewildering landscape of personal injury law. In each episode, join Attorney Jordan Jewkes as he unpacks the complexities surrounding your rights in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Through engaging dialogue and expert insights, Jordan demystifies legal jargon. He presents practical, applicable, and relatable scenarios that will resonate with listeners. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, a slip and fall incident, or any other personal injury matter, Peachtree Injury Talk aims to empower you with the knowledge you need.
Each episode is designed to be accessible and informative. Thus, making it easier for you to understand the steps you should take to protect yourself and your interests. Jordan Jewkes shares real-life cases, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips on securing the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, the podcast fosters a community atmosphere where listeners can feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance. This supportive environment is a testament to The Jewkes Firm’s commitment to helping individuals understand their legal options.
So, whether you’re a seasoned listener or tuning in for the first time, prepare to arm yourself with valuable insights that can significantly influence your recovery journey. Tune in to Peachtree Injury Talk. Equip yourself with the vital information needed to navigate your rights confidently and get the support you deserve!
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This show is designed to deliver general information regarding the law. Our guests will not provide tailored legal advice. If you have a personal issue and need legal support, get in touch with us for a free consultation with a Jewkes Firm attorney.
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