X
A car accident that causes injuries or damages to a vehicle is never an easy experience. However, when you add in the extra layer of an uninsured driver, it can quickly become a tangled situation. Considering that just over 18% of drivers are uninsured in Georgia, according to the Insurance Information Institute, it is likely a good idea to know what to do in the event of an accident involving an uninsured driver.
The first priority in any accident should be the safety of those involved. Therefore, it is important to take a deep breath and follow a few basic steps to verify everyone’s safety. The very first step is making sure everyone involved moves to a safe place off of the roadway to begin sorting out important details.
Next, someone should summon the local authorities. The police will collect information in a police report, such as the narrative of each person’s point of view, the road conditions, the weather, any witnesses, the location of the vehicles, any visible damages, and whether anyone was injured. All of this information will be used to determine who is ultimately at fault for causing the accident.
Since Georgia is an at-fault state and the individual who causes an accident can be held liable to pay for damages and injuries, it is important not to rely solely on the police report for information pertaining to an incident. Instead, do your own due diligence to collect information while on the scene. For example, take photos of the scene, collect driver and witness information, jot down license plate numbers and car makes and models, and ask individuals for insurance information.
This may be the time when you realize that someone does not have insurance, even though Georgia requires a minimum liability insurance that covers $25,000 each for bodily injury (per person) and property damage (per accident) and $50,000 for bodily injury (per accident). While penalties for driving without insurance may include up to a year in jail, a $25 fine plus $160 if the fine is not paid in 30 days, a suspended license for 60 to 90 days, and a possible vehicle impoundment, some continue to drive without minimum coverage.
At this point, it is time to contact your own insurance company to determine whether your policy provides coverage for uninsured motorists or underinsured motorists. It is possible that this is an add-on to a basic policy that carries an additional cost, so understanding the type of coverage you have is important. In any event, uninsured coverage applies to situations when the at-fault party has no insurance at all. Meanwhile, underinsured coverage bridges the gap between the coverage an at-fault party has and the actual amount of damages you might incur. For instance, someone may carry the minimum liability insurance, but your injuries exceed $250,000; if that is the case, you may have to file a claim with your insurance company to recoup your losses.
Additionally, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
While you have up to two years to file a lawsuit from the date of an accident, you should not delay if you think you are entitled to a settlement due to insurmountable injuries or extensive property damage. Call the Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC at 478-254-2007 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our office located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.
