Atlanta Hit By Uninsured Driver
Unfortunately, millions of drivers in Georgia are driving out on the roads, completely uninsured. Worse still, an uninsured driver is 34 percent more likely to cause a crash than an insured driver, according to research. If you were injured by an uninsured driver, your options for compensation may be limited. An Atlanta uninsured driver attorney at Sawyer Injury Law can help you navigate this tricky scenario to maximize the compensation for your damages that you are provided.
Can I Sue the Driver For Their Personal Property?
Over 12 percent of drivers in Georgia do not have insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Many of these drivers do not have insurance because—after being cited for causing crashes, running red lights, speeding, and driving under the influence—they cannot afford their increased insurance premiums. As they drive illegally, these drivers inevitably leave destruction in their wake. Destruction that their victims must pay for, because chances are that if a driver is uninsured, they do not have any assets valuable enough for you to pursue in a personal injury claim. Even if they own their own home, a judge will not boot them out and give it over to you, even if that is the financially just thing to do. In the vast majority of cases, if you get injured by an uninsured driver, your only option for compensation is to pursue your UM policy with your own insurance company.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Your uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM) policy stands in place of the at-fault driver’s insurance if they do not have any, or if it is not enough to cover your damages. You can only use it when the other driver caused the crash, but it can cover all types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost income and future earnings;
- Emotional distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Property damage; and
- More.
Filing a Claim Against Your Own Insurance Company
Sometimes, particularly if it is a small amount, an insurer will willfully hand over compensation to the victim. However, if you have substantial damages and a medium to large UM policy, your insurer will likely put up a fight. Even though they are your own insurance company, they may deny liability, claim that your damages and injuries are not that substantial, or attempt to offer you a small amount of cash to settle the matter quickly and avoid having to pay out what they truly owe you. Because of this, you still need an attorney when it comes to suing your own insurance company to maximize your UM policy payout.
Contact an Atlanta Uninsured Driver Collision Attorney Today
In terms of traffic collisions, there is nothing worse than being wrongfully injured due to another driver’s negligence and, on top of it all, finding out that they were driving illegally, without insurance. To ensure that you are financially protected to the greatest degree, you need to speak with an attorney. Contact us today at Sawyer Injury Law and set up a free consultation with an Atlanta uninsured driver collision attorney.
