Car accidents can be stressful, especially when the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can play a crucial role. You may wonder, “How much can I get from an underinsured motorist claim?”
At the Weinstein Firm, we understand the details of car insurance can be complex. This blog post outlines the key information drivers should know about uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance in Georgia.
If you have been in a crash in Georgia that wasn’t your fault, contact our Atlanta car accident lawyers for a free consultation to understand your legal options.
How Uninsured Motorist and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are designed to protect you if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver or someone who does not have enough insurance coverage. Auto insurance policies usually combine UM and UIM coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. This coverage also applies if the responsible driver cannot be identified after a hit-and-run accident.
Uninsured motorist insurance helps pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if the other driver has no insurance. Without this safety net, you could end up paying for medical bills and car repairs out of your own pocket.
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that 18 percent of drivers in Georgia are uninsured.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage steps in when the at-fault driver does not have enough liability insurance coverage to pay for your damages. In this situation, your own insurance company steps in to cover the gap between what the at-fault driver’s insurance pays and the total amount of your damages.
Underinsured motorist claims can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Both types of coverage are essential for protecting yourself financially in case of an accident. In Georgia, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory but is highly recommended to ensure you have adequate protection in case of an accident.
Car Insurance Requirements in Georgia
Georgia law requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance coverage to operate a vehicle legally. Drivers can choose to purchase more coverage.
Here are the minimum auto insurance policy limits in Georgia.
Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
Georgia drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance. This coverage helps pay for injuries you cause to another person in an accident.
Property Damage Liability Insurance
In addition to bodily injury coverage, Georgia law requires drivers to have a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability insurance. This coverage pays for damages to another person’s property caused by an accident.
These minimum coverage limits are relatively low compared to the potential costs of a serious accident. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of the damages incurred, making underinsured motorist coverage crucial for additional protection.
Optional UM/UIM Coverage
Under O.C.G.A. §33-7-11, an auto insurance provider must give drivers the option to purchase UM/UIM coverage with limits equal to the minimum liability coverage. If you opt for the minimum liability coverage, the default UM/UIM coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries.
If you own a vehicle without a loan, you can decide whether to carry UM or UIM coverage. However, all automobile insurers in Georgia must provide policyholders the option to purchase this insurance. You can also choose to purchase higher limits.
Adequate coverage safeguards against potential financial losses from car accidents. It’s important to talk with your insurance agent to understand your policy details and make informed decisions about how much uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to purchase.
How Much Can I Get From an Underinsured Motorist Claim?
Several factors can influence payout for underinsured motorist claims in Georgia. Here are some key considerations.
Policy Limits
The policy limits of your underinsured motorist coverage play a significant role in determining the maximum amount you can receive from an underinsured motorist claim. Your compensation will be limited to the coverage limits of your own UIM policy.
It’s important to review your auto insurance policy to understand how much coverage you have.
Severity of Injuries and Damages
Your injuries and financial losses are critical factors in how much compensation you can receive. Serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation or result in long-term disabilities will typically result in higher compensation amounts.
Additionally, damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage will also impact the total amount of your claim.
The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
Georgia is an at-fault state for car accidents. The liability insurance of the at-fault driver is another key aspect. If the other driver has low liability coverage, underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge the gap. Your UIM coverage can pay the difference between your damages and the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
It’s important to understand the difference between stacking and non-stacking coverage. Stacking allows you to combine coverage limits from multiple vehicles or policies, potentially increasing your total coverage. Non-stacking means you can only use the limits from one policy. This distinction can significantly affect the amount you can claim.
Health Insurance Coverage and UIM Insurance
Understanding how health insurance coverage and underinsured motorist insurance interact can be complex, but it is important for maximizing your claim. When you are injured in a car accident, your health insurance may cover some of your medical expenses.
However, your health insurance company may seek reimbursement for medical costs from any settlement or award you receive from an underinsured motorist claim. This process is known as subrogation.
How to Maximize Your Underinsured Motorist Claim
There are several steps you can take to maximize your claim.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Immediately after a car accident, call the police. Reporting a car accident is crucial. A police report serves as an official record and can be vital for your claim.
Take clear photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, and insurance details. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses present.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you have serious injuries. Not only is this important for your health, but it also helps establish a record of your injuries and medical treatment. Keep all medical records and bills, as they will be essential for your claim.
Keep track of all expenses related to the car accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs incurred due to your injuries. Accurate documentation will strengthen your car accident claim and help you seek fair compensation.
Notify Your Insurance Company and Review Your Policy
Inform your insurance company about the wreck as soon as possible. Insurance providers may attempt to minimize the amount they pay on a claim. Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters and avoid providing more information than necessary.
Understanding your insurance coverage is critical. Review your auto insurance policy to know the limits of your underinsured motorist coverage. This knowledge will help you communicate effectively with your insurance provider.
Call Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review
Understanding auto insurance is essential for protecting yourself and your financial interests in the event of a car crash. Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage provide a vital safety net if the other driver is uninsured or their liability insurance doesn’t cover all your damages.
If you have been in a car accident caused by someone else, you should talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options. At the Weinstein Firm, we offer a free consultation. Contact our Georgia car accident lawyers today!
