Hit by an Uninsured Driver? An Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—but when the at fault driver doesn’t have insurance, the situation becomes even more overwhelming. At Atlanta Accident Lawyers, our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers understand the unique challenges that come with uninsured motorist accidents. Whether you’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, or the runaround from your insurance company, you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What Is an Uninsured Motorist Accident?
An uninsured motorist accident occurs when you’re involved in a car accident with a driver who doesn’t carry liability insurance—even though it’s required by Georgia law. Unfortunately, despite legal mandates, thousands of licensed drivers in Georgia operate vehicles without valid auto insurance. When these uninsured drivers cause an accident, recovering damages becomes significantly more complicated.
In some cases, the at fault driver may carry only the bare minimum liability coverage, which might not be enough to cover your medical expenses, property damage, or lost wages. These types of incidents are known as underinsured motorist accidents. In either scenario, your ability to seek compensation may depend heavily on your own uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy.
Because Georgia is not a no fault state, the at fault party is typically responsible for paying damages. But when that responsible driver lacks proper insurance coverage, you may need to file an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance company to receive compensation for things like:
- Medical bills and ongoing medical treatment
- Pain and suffering damages
- Vehicle repairs and other property damage
- Attorney fees related to pursuing a claim
- Additional out-of-pocket costs tied to the accident
Understanding your motorist coverage and how to respond when hit by an uninsured driver is critical. A knowledgeable Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you navigate your legal options and fight for the fair settlement you deserve.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Georgia
When you’re injured in a crash with a driver who doesn’t have auto insurance or lacks enough liability coverage, your recovery may depend entirely on your own insurance policy. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage (UM) comes in.
In Georgia, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are not required by law—but insurance companies must offer them. If you didn’t decline the coverage in writing, there’s a good chance your auto insurance already includes it.
This type of insurance coverage is designed to protect you when the at fault driver can’t. It can help cover:
- Your medical expenses, including hospital stays and follow-up treatment
- Lost wages from missed work
- Vehicle repairs or property damage
- Compensation for pain and suffering damages
Georgia offers two types of UM/UIM coverage structures:
- Add-On Coverage: Pays benefits on top of what the other driver’s policy covers.
- Reduced-By Coverage: Pays only the difference between your damages and what the at fault party’s insurance pays.
The problem? Even when you’re filing with your own insurance company, you may still face resistance. Your insurer will treat your uninsured motorist claim like any other—often working to reduce or delay your payout.
That’s why it’s critical to review your auto insurance policy after any serious car accident—and to speak with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer if you’re unsure how your motorist coverage applies. Our team at Atlanta Accident Lawyers can help you interpret your policy, respond to the insurance adjuster, and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to under Georgia law.
Your Legal Options After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Georgia, you’re not out of options—far from it. While the at fault party may not have auto insurance, there are still legal paths available to help you recover financially. At Atlanta Accident Lawyers, we help clients understand and act on those rights every day.
File a Claim With Your Own Insurance Company
Your first option is to pursue an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance company. If your auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, this can provide a direct route to compensation. But don’t be fooled—just because you’re working with your insurer doesn’t mean the process is easy. Insurance adjusters will often try to reduce or deny claims, even when you’re a policyholder. Having an Atlanta car accident lawyer on your side can make a substantial difference in how your claim is handled.
Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If no insurance is available or your claim is denied, another option is filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at fault driver. While collecting damages can be more difficult if the driver lacks financial resources, a thorough investigation may uncover assets, other liable parties, or third-party coverage you weren’t aware of.
Explore All Avenues of Liability
Depending on the circumstances of the car accident, there may be other parties or entities that share liability. This could include employers, vehicle owners, or even government entities in some cases. An experienced car accident attorney can identify every possible source of liability and build a strong case to seek compensation.
Uninsured auto accident cases are legally complex and emotionally draining. You don’t have to manage them on your own. The Atlanta car accident attorneys at Atlanta Accident Lawyers will help you navigate the legal process, deal with the insurance company, and fight for a result that reflects the full impact of the accident on your life.
Why Consult Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers?
Working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can be the difference between walking away with a lowball offer—or the full compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia law. Here’s why you should consult our team at Atlanta Accident Lawyers after an uninsured motorist accident:
- Protect Yourself From Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies—even your own insurance provider—may try to delay, deny, or undervalue your uninsured motorist claim. We handle all communication with the insurance adjuster to protect your interests. - Clarity on Insurance Coverage
We review your auto insurance policy and explain your rights under uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and any other optional coverage you may have. - Experienced in Georgia Law
Our attorneys understand Georgia’s car insurance laws, including the rules around liability coverage, fault, and legal options when an uninsured driver hits you. - Build a Strong Claim
We collect and organize critical evidence—like medical records, police reports, and documentation of medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs—to strengthen your case. - No Upfront Costs
You don’t pay us unless we win. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, and every case starts with a free legal consultation. - Maximize Your Compensation
We aggressively pursue a fair settlement or take your car accident case to court if necessary, fighting for the maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and pain and suffering. - Local, Trusted Legal Help
As experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys, we’ve helped countless Georgia drivers get justice after being harmed by someone else’s negligence or lack of insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Atlanta
What should I do if an uninsured driver hits me in Atlanta?
If an uninsured driver hits you, call the police to file an official report, get immediate medical treatment, and notify your insurance company. Then speak with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer who can help you file an uninsured motorist claim and protect your right to compensation.
Does Georgia require uninsured motorist coverage?
No, Georgia law does not require uninsured motorist coverage, but auto insurance providers must offer it when you purchase a policy. If you didn’t reject it in writing, your insurance coverage may already include this important optional coverage.
Can I sue an uninsured driver after a car accident in Georgia?
Yes. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at fault driver, even if they don’t have liability insurance. However, collecting damages may be difficult if the uninsured motorist lacks financial resources. An Atlanta car accident attorney can evaluate whether this legal route is worth pursuing.
How do I file an uninsured motorist claim with my own insurance company?
To file an uninsured motorist claim, report the car accident to your insurance provider, gather supporting documents like police reports, medical records, and repair estimates, and submit your claim under your auto insurance policy. Having a car accident lawyer manage the process increases your chances of a fair settlement.
What if I don’t have uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia?
Without uninsured motorist insurance, your recovery options may be limited. You may need to rely on the at fault party’s personal assets or see if another insurance policy—such as a household member’s—applies. A qualified personal injury attorney can explore every angle for potential compensation.
How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of the auto accident to file a personal injury claim. However, certain insurance policies may have shorter notification periods. It’s important to consult a car accident attorney right away to avoid missing crucial deadlines.
Will my insurance rates go up after using uninsured motorist coverage?
Usually, your rates should not increase if you use your uninsured motorist coverage, since you were not the at fault driver. That said, each insurance company handles rate changes differently. Speak with a car accident lawyer before filing to understand how your insurance policy may be affected.
Get the Help You Deserve—Contact Atlanta Accident Lawyers Today
Dealing with the aftermath of an uninsured motorist accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re facing medical bills, missed work, and pressure from your insurance company. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.
At Atlanta Accident Lawyers, we understand the frustration and uncertainty that follow a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Our experienced Atlanta car accident attorneys are ready to help you assert your rights, deal with the insurance provider, and pursue the maximum compensation you’re owed.
Contact us today for a free legal consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the process—with no fees unless we win.
Call us now at 864-444-2062 to get started.
