Augusta Accidents Involving an Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist

Like every other state in the U.S., Georgia requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability auto insurance. Despite the law, some people still drive uninsured, making it difficult to recover compensation after an accident caused by such a driver. Even when drivers carry the mandatory minimums for bodily injury and property damage liability, their policy limits may not be enough to fully cover your claim. Our Augusta personal injury lawyers can help you recover the maximum compensation available if you are involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

What Are the Mandatory Minimums for Auto Insurance in Georgia?

The minimum policy limits for liability auto insurance under Georgia law, as stated by the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) are:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage per accident

If three people were injured in a single collision, the mandatory minimum policy limits would cover less than $25,000 for bodily injury per person. Georgia does not require comprehensive or collision insurance to cover physical damage to your own vehicle. Neither does it require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. However, this insurance can protect you if you are involved in a collision caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your claim.

What Should You Do if You Are Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

If you are involved in a crash caused by an insured driver, the first thing to do is to contact your own insurance company. You may need to file a claim on your own policy, using either standard collision or uninsured motorist coverage. If the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages, you may file a claim for the difference using your underinsured motorist coverage. Once it pays out for your claim, your auto insurance company is free to seek repayment from the at-fault driver or his or her insurer.

Do You Need a Lawyer if You Were Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist?

Your best chance of recovering the maximum available compensation is to have an experienced car accident attorney by your side. Insurance companies are in business for profit and do not have your best interests at heart. Their goal is to minimize the amount the company pays out for your claim. It may be advisable to consult with a lawyer before speaking with their representatives.

How Can Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys Help?

After a traffic crash involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, our Augusta personal injury attorneys can help ensure you are aware of all the insurance coverage and avenues for compensation available to you. We can investigate your accident and gather evidence for your case. Our trial lawyers can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf and help you avoid any bad faith insurance actions by which your rightful claim might be denied. We can assess the full extent of your damages – past, present, and future – and advise you on whether to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company.

Why Choose Our Firm for an Auto Accident Case?

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, personal injury is all we do. We have more than 10 years of experience, along with the knowledge, skills, and resources to resolve your case. Although we are tough trial lawyers, ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, we never lose sight of what is most important – our clients.

Call us at (706) 719-7177 to schedule a free case review if you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.