A car accident is a stressful event in itself, but it becomes even more complicated if you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver. When you are hit by someone without insurance, it can seem like an impossible situation to resolve. Fortunately, in Georgia, there are a few options available to help you recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses even if the person responsible for the accident does not have insurance.
Understanding your options and what steps to take following an accident with an uninsured driver can be crucial in ensuring you receive the compensation you need.
Georgia’s Insurance Requirements and Uninsured Drivers 
In Georgia, it is mandatory for all drivers to have car insurance. The law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, which helps pay for damages to other drivers when they are at fault. However, despite this requirement, many drivers still operate their vehicles without the required insurance, which creates problems for others when accidents occur.
When you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be wondering how to recover the costs of medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and other damages. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure you don’t bear the financial burden alone.
Your Options for Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Georgia, there are a few options for pursuing compensation:
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Using Your Own Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, this will be the first option for recovering your costs. UM coverage is a type of insurance designed to protect you in cases where the at-fault driver does not have insurance or cannot be identified, such as in a hit-and-run.
Uninsured Motorist coverage can pay for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other expenses that result from the accident. While UM coverage is optional, it is highly recommended as it can save you a significant amount of financial stress in the event that you’re hit by an uninsured driver.
If you don’t have UM coverage, you can check with your insurance company to see if you can add it to your policy moving forward. It’s also important to note that UM coverage is not just for accidents with uninsured drivers; it also applies if the responsible driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover the damage.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver
If you don’t have UM coverage, or if your coverage does not fully cover the damage, you may need to pursue the responsible driver directly. You can file a lawsuit in an attempt to recover damages from the uninsured driver. However, this option can be challenging because many uninsured drivers do not have the financial resources to pay for your damages.
If the uninsured driver doesn’t have money or assets, it may be difficult to collect a judgment even if you win your case. In some situations, you may be able to garnish the driver’s wages or place a lien on their property, but this process can be long and uncertain. It’s important to have realistic expectations when pursuing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver.
After a car accident, I contacted David May at the Lagrange office. He, and his staff, helped me with medical advice and follow up doctors visits, along with dealing with my insurance and the insurance of the woman that hit me. I have been very pleased with the service I received from David May and the Lagrange staff. They are warm and open, always there to help with advice and answer questions.” - Debau I highly recommend Adam Princenthal .I was looking for someone with years of experience in personal injury.They needed to be knowledgeable, transparent and honest.I wanted to know I was dealing directly with the lawyer I hired.Adam Princenthal could answer all the difficult questions and phone calls were returned.Adam got the settlement I was looking for in a timely manner." - Nancy K. I am glad that I was referred to Princenthal & May. Matthew met with me and gained my trust with the case. I was never left in the dark on any matters, My phone calls were either answered or returned quickly. The office staff are very friendly as well. My case was settled, with both Matthew and Adam present. Both are very professional in their work.. They work for you !!!" - Jacque Minor
Georgia’s No Pay, No Play Law
Georgia has a “No Pay, No Play” law that can limit the amount of compensation you can receive if you do not carry the required insurance coverage. If you’re involved in an accident and you are not carrying the mandatory minimum insurance, Georgia’s law can reduce or eliminate your ability to claim certain damages, such as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
This law is important because it means that, even if you’re hit by an uninsured driver, if you don’t have proper coverage yourself, you could be barred from recovering full compensation for your injuries. This is why it’s important to ensure you have sufficient insurance coverage before an accident occurs.
Steps You Should Take After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and increase the chances of recovering compensation. Here are the key steps you should take:
Report the Accident to the Police
The first step after an accident is to report the crash to the police. Georgia law requires drivers to file a police report for accidents that result in injuries or damages exceeding $500. A police report can provide important evidence in your case, especially if the uninsured driver denies responsibility for the crash.
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Make sure you get a copy of the report for your records and provide it to your insurance company.
Document the Accident Scene
It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible after the accident. Take photos of the scene, including the vehicles, any damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information. This evidence can be used to prove that the other driver was at fault and strengthen your case if you need to file a claim or lawsuit.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. If you have UM coverage, your insurance company will help you file a claim and guide you through the process. Be honest and provide them with all the necessary details of the accident.
Your insurance adjuster will assess the damage and determine the coverage available for your claim. Keep in mind that your insurance company may also try to settle the claim quickly, so it’s important to make sure you’re fully compensated for your injuries and damages.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Dealing with an uninsured driver can be complicated, and navigating the legal process can be difficult without professional help. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you with your case, help you understand your legal rights, and guide you through the claims process.
An attorney can also help you negotiate with your insurance company, file a lawsuit if needed, and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia law.
Why You Need Legal Representation
The process of pursuing compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver can be complex and frustrating. While you may be able to recover damages from your own insurance policy or through a lawsuit, navigating these avenues requires knowledge of the law and experience in handling personal injury claims.
A skilled attorney from Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC can help you explore your options and make the process smoother. They can advocate on your behalf, whether you need to negotiate with your insurance company or pursue legal action against the uninsured driver.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Georgia, it’s essential to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC has the knowledge and experience to guide you through this challenging situation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is here to help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve after an accident.