A car accident is one of the most stressful things you can experience, especially if you sustained serious injuries or extensive property damage. It’s even more stressful if you discover that the at-fault driver was uninsured at the time of the collision.
Figuring out how to recover damages from an uninsured driver is often a complicated task. The lawyers at Gautreaux Law can help you seamlessly navigate each step. Schedule your free legal consultation today to learn more and start your path to recovery.
Is it legal to drive without car insurance in Georgia?
No, it is not legal to drive without auto insurance in the state of Georgia. Even if you don’t get into an accident, you may face severe legal consequences, such as a fine, jail time up to 12 months, or a license suspension. Drivers are required to carry coverage that meets these minimum car insurance requirements:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Some car financing companies also require you to add on collision insurance, which can help cover any physical damage to your own vehicle after an accident. If you outright own a vehicle, this type of coverage may not be required, but it is often recommended.
Even if it were legal to drive without auto insurance in Georgia, it wouldn’t be a great idea to do so. Should you cause an accident, your insurance company would pay out all or most of the damages to the injured driver and prevent you from being personally sued.
Benefits of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Though it’s illegal to operate a vehicle without insurance coverage, some people do so anyway — knowingly or unknowingly. In many circumstances, the uninsured driver may have failed to notice that their policy lapsed or was canceled.
Uninsured motorist insurance can help if a driver without adequate car insurance causes a wreck. This type of insurance is designed to offer substitute coverage that will pay out damages up to your policy’s limits, which can be used to cover things like your medical bills.
It’s important to note, however, that your insurance company may make it difficult to recover fair compensation even if you carry uninsured motorist coverage. Every insurance company wants to protect its own interests by saving as much money as possible, so it may be challenging to get a fair settlement offer.
At Gautreaux Law, our attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. We can help you submit a strong claim to your insurance company and negotiate a settlement offer to reach a fair agreement.
What if I don’t have uninsured motorist insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance and your policy doesn’t include uninsured motorist coverage, you may still be able to obtain damages by initiating a personal injury lawsuit. However, this process can come with a few additional challenges. To increase your chances of success, follow these tips.
Call 911 and Collect the Evidence
`Evidence is crucial if you plan to seek compensation for the accident, regardless of whether the other driver is insured. Make sure to call 911 and get a police report, exchange contact information with the other driver, and take pictures of the scene.
In the days and weeks following the accident, hold onto any medical bills or receipts for expenses related to the collision. This information will be helpful when building and defending your claim or lawsuit.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Right Away
Waiting too long to submit a claim or file a lawsuit could leave you ineligible for compensation. Attempting to handle the process on your own could lead to a lower settlement offer than you deserve. Contacting a lawyer before taking the first step toward compensation is a good idea.
If you have uninsured motorist insurance, the attorney can help you submit a claim to your company and handle negotiations to reach a favorable outcome. If you don’t have this type of insurance, they can help you through the first steps of submitting a lawsuit.
Car Accident Attorneys in Georgia
Recovering fair compensation after a car accident isn’t easy, even if both drivers are fully insured. If you have been in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you may feel stressed and overwhelmed. The attorneys at Gautreaux Law have your back.
Our car accident lawyers have helped recover over $100 million in car accident and personal injury claims. Even if your situation is complex, our team is fully prepared to handle it and help you seek the justice you deserve.
If you’ve been harmed by an uninsured driver and want to recover the damages to which you are entitled, call us today for a free consultation.