If you have spent any time driving around metro Atlanta, you know the city has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country. Maneuvering the streets and highways in Atlanta and its suburbs can be an adventure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 2,443,000 people were injured in accidents in 2015, with 35,092 fatalities.
When someone else causes a collision, you expect the other drivers to have adequate auto insurance, but that’s not always the case. Georgia Law requires that all drivers carry auto liability insurance. The motorist at fault in the wreck is responsible for the damages and injuries stemming from the wreck, and if they have insurance, it will cover those damages.
What happens if you are involved in a car crash and the other driver does not have auto insurance?
First, hopefully you and your passengers are not too injured. But even if you are not injured, your vehicle probably will be damaged, which is where Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) comes in. Auto insurance companies in Georgia are required to offer you uninsured motorist coverage when you buy insurance. While you aren’t required by law to have UMC coverage, everyone needs to have it. Having UMC means your auto insurance company will pay to fix your car and pay your medical bills and other injury damages if the person who caused the wreck doesn’t have insurance.
Even if the at fault driver has insurance, though, if you are in a major accident, with physical injuries or multiple people involved, the minimum liability coverage is rarely enough insurance. In Georgia, drivers are only required to have the following liability insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in a single accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Isn’t your vehicle, health, and wellbeing worth more than that? Uninsured Motorist Coverage insurance is the best way to protect yourself from uninsured and underinsured drivers.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash, especially with an uninsured driver, call WIL today. We will talk through your options free of charge and help you decide how to best to claim the compensation you deserve.