Being injured in a crash is difficult enough. Learning that the driver who caused the accident has no insurance can make the situation even more stressful. Our experienced Cartersville uninsured motorist lawyers will review your options for damages.
At Jones & Swanson, we have over 50 years of combined legal experience working with injured victims after tragic accidents. Our car accident lawyers in Cartersville will investigate the crash and help you recover. Call today for a free initial consultation.
Cartersville Uninsured Motorist Lawyers Who Care About You
Our Cartersville personal injury lawyers return phone calls and respond to questions in a timely manner because we understand that uncertainty adds stress to an already difficult recovery. You should never feel left in the dark about your case or unsure of what comes next.
We’re not like the big TV advertising law firms that treat you like just another number; we always put you first.
Personal service also means treating your case as more than just a file number. At Jones & Swanson, we take the time to understand how the accident has affected your daily life. This allows us to build a stronger claim and pursue damages that reflect the full impact of your injuries.
What Is an Uninsured Motorist Accident
An uninsured motorist accident occurs when you are injured in a crash caused by a driver who does not have valid automobile liability insurance. Although Georgia auto insurance laws require most drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, some motorists continue to drive without insurance.
When one of these drivers causes a collision, recovering damages can become more complicated. Uninsured motorist coverage is an important source of financial protection. Our Cartersville uninsured motorist attorneys will guide you through the claim process.
The Difference Between an Uninsured and Underinsured Driver
An uninsured motorist has no applicable liability insurance to pay for the damages they caused. An underinsured motorist carries insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully cover the injured person’s losses.
In either situation, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage could help pay for your losses, depending on the terms of your policy.
Your Options for Damages After an Uninsured Car Accident
Being hit by an uninsured driver does not necessarily mean you have to bear the financial burden of the accident on your own. Depending on the circumstances, there are several avenues for recovering damages. Our experienced uninsured motorist attorneys in Cartersville will identify all available sources of recovery.
Your options for damages include:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, you may file a claim through your own auto insurance policy. UM coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no applicable liability insurance or cannot be identified, such as in many hit-and-run accidents.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
Sometimes the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully compensate you for your losses. In these situations, your underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional damages after the other driver’s liability coverage has been exhausted.
Claims Against Other Liable Parties
The uninsured driver may not be the only party responsible for the accident. Depending on the facts of your case, another individual or business could share liability. For example, damages may be available if another driver contributed to the crash or an employer is responsible for an employee’s negligent driving.
Your Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side, But We Are
After an uninsured motorist accident in Georgia, you may assume your own insurance company will step in and fairly compensate you.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Even when you are filing a claim under your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your insurer is still a business focused on limiting payouts, not maximizing your recovery.
Claim adjusters employ a wide range of tactics to devalue or dismiss your uninsured motorist accident claim:
- Disputing the severity of your injuries: Adjusters could argue that your injuries are not as serious as reported, even when medical records show ongoing treatment. They may rely on “independent medical exams” or selective portions of your records to minimize the extent of harm.
- Delaying the claims process: Insurance companies may take extended periods to respond to requests, request repeated documentation, or slow-walk investigations. These delays can create financial pressure on injured victims, increasing the likelihood of accepting a lower settlement.
- Arguing that treatment was unnecessary or excessive: Adjusters may challenge the necessity, frequency, or cost of medical treatment. They can claim certain procedures were unrelated to the accident or that treatment should have ended sooner.
- Using recorded statements against you: Adjusters may request recorded statements early in the process and use unclear or incomplete answers to dispute liability or injury severity later in the claim.
Your insurance company does not automatically treat you as an ally in the claims process. Instead, it evaluates your claim based on policy language, liability arguments, and potential financial exposure. This can create a conflict between what is fair and what the insurer is willing to pay.
Our skilled Cartersville uninsured motorist lawyers understand how insurance companies evaluate UM claims and how to respond when they undervalue or delay a case. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we are prepared to take the case further through formal dispute resolution or litigation.
Call Our Uninsured Motorist Attorneys in Cartersville
At Jones & Swanson, we represent people in Cartersville who have been injured by uninsured drivers. Our attorneys understand the challenges these claims present and know how to pursue every available source of damages, including uninsured motorist coverage.
We will investigate the accident, deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and fight to recover the full damages you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we will help you move forward.
