If you’ve been involved in a car crash caused by an uninsured driver in Georgia – you might be wondering how much you can get from an uninsured motorist claim.
It’s a valid concern – especially since the financial aftermath of a wreck can be overwhelming.
In this blog – I will walk you through the factors that affect how much compensation you might receive. And hey – if you want to maximize your claim, it is always best to go for a consultation with an uninsured motorist accident lawyer.
Why you need uninsured motorist coverage?
Accidents happen – and sometimes they happen with drivers who don’t have insurance. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured – your only option for getting compensation may be your own insurance policy.
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protect you in situations where the other driver can’t pay for the damages they caused.
In Georgia, it’s not mandatory to have this type of coverage – but it is highly recommended. Without it, you could end up stuck with hefty bills for your – medical treatment, property damage, and other expenses.
The role of your insurance policy
The amount of money you can recover from your claim depends on your insurance policy and its coverage limits. Most basic UM coverage starts at $25,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage—just like the state minimum for liability insurance.
However, these amounts might not be enough to cover all your costs – especially if your injuries are severe or your vehicle is totaled. That’s where higher coverage limits come in.
For example – if you have $100,000 in UM coverage, there’s a better chance of covering your damages in full.
But what if your damages exceed your policy’s limit?
Fortunately, there are options.
You can use MedPay or Collision insurance to cover some of your medical or vehicle repair costs. These policies aren’t mandatory in Georgia but can help bridge the gap in an underinsured motorist accident.
How much is my claim worth?
To figure out how much compensation you might get from your claim, your uninsured motorist accident attorney will need to assess your damages.
This includes everything from your –
Medical bills (both current and future)
Property damage (like car repairs)
And any additional costs associated with your injuries, such as – mobility aids or home health services.
Pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life can also factor into your claim.
Without legal help, it is easy to overlook these expenses or underestimate the cost of ongoing medical care. An experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney can help guarantee that everything is accounted for when determining the value of your claim. With the right help – you’re more likely to receive a fair settlement.
Can I sue the other driver?
Technically, yes – you can sue the at-fault driver for your damages.
However, in many cases, this won’t be effective.
Most people who drive without insurance do so because they can’t afford it. If they don’t have the funds to pay for their insurance – they likely don’t have the money to pay for your medical bills or car repairs either. Even if you win a lawsuit – the driver might end up filing for bankruptcy – leaving you without the compensation you deserve.
That’s why uninsured motorist accident insurance is so critical. It’s designed to help you recover when the other driver can’t.
The difference between UM and UIM coverage
While UM coverage applies when the other driver has no insurance- UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover all your damages.
For example – if the other driver has $50,000 in coverage but your medical bills and car repairs cost $100,000 – your UIM coverage can help make up the difference.
There are two types of UIM coverage –
Stacking and non-stacking
Non-stacking policies are cheaper – but they only pay out if the other driver has no insurance or if your damages exceed the policy limit.
Stacking policies allows you to add the limits of multiple insurance policies together if you’re in an underinsured accident – giving you more financial protection.
How much coverage should I have?
It’s hard to predict how much coverage you will need because no one plans for a crash. But because serious accidents do happen – it is smart to buy as much coverage as you can afford.
If you’re unsure about your options – speaking with an uninsured motorist accident attorney can help. A lawyer can guide you through the complexities of UM and UIM coverage. They help you make the best decision for your situation.
Conclusion
In Georgia, the amount you can get from an uninsured motorist claim depends on several factors. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with this process alone. If an uninsured driver caused your wreck, it’s wise to consult with an Atlanta personal injury attorney who can fight for the compensation you deserve.
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