You did everything right. You were driving safely, someone else caused the crash, and now you're hurt. Then you learn the at-fault driver has no insurance — or nowhere near enough to cover your injuries. It's a frustrating and frightening situation, but in Georgia you may have more protection than you think.
How Common Is This?
More common than most people expect. A significant share of Georgia drivers are uninsured, and many more carry only the state-minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person. If you've suffered a serious injury, $25,000 may not even cover your emergency room bill, let alone surgery, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
This is where your own policy can save you. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is coverage you carry on your own auto policy that pays you when the at-fault driver has no insurance (uninsured) or not enough insurance (underinsured).
In Georgia, insurers are required to offer UM/UIM coverage, and you can only reject it in writing. Many drivers have it without realizing it. There are also two types under Georgia law:
- "Add-on" (stacking) UM/UIM sits on top of the at-fault driver's coverage, so your coverage adds to theirs.
- "Reduced" (non-stacking) UM/UIM is offset by the at-fault driver's coverage, so it only fills the gap up to your limit.
Which type you have makes a real difference in how much is available to you, and it's one of the first things we check.
Other Possible Sources of Recovery
Depending on the facts, other avenues may exist:
- Multiple policies. You may be able to claim under more than one UM/UIM policy in your household.
- Other at-fault parties. Sometimes a second driver, an employer (if the driver was working), or another party shares responsibility and carries insurance.
- The driver's personal assets. This is often impractical, but in some cases an uninsured driver has assets worth pursuing.
What to Do After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver
- Still call the police and get a crash report.
- Get medical care and keep up with treatment.
- Notify your own insurer, but be cautious — even your own insurance company's adjuster is not necessarily on your side when it comes to a UM/UIM claim.
- Talk to an attorney before giving recorded statements or accepting any offer.
UM/UIM claims can be surprisingly contentious. You're essentially making a claim against your own insurer, and they may dispute the value of your injuries just as an opposing insurer would.
How Beauchamp & Idlett Can Help
We review every available policy to find the maximum coverage for your injuries, and we handle UM/UIM claims so you don't have to fight your own insurer alone. Call (229) 435-3000 for a free case review — no fee unless we win.
Related reading: Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Georgia? · How Much Is My Albany Car Accident Case Worth? · What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Albany, GA?
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Coverage depends on the terms of your policy and the facts of your case. Contact a licensed Georgia attorney to review your coverage.