Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection to you in the event someone else causes an accident that injures you or causes damage to your vehicle, but has no insurance, or not enough insurance. These claims include hit-and-run incidents in which the at-fault party leaves the scene and cannot be located.
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, a Marietta car accident lawyer will review your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, file a strong claim on your behalf, and negotiate a settlement that covers all your losses.
Let’s take a closer look at what uninsured motorist coverage is and how a lawyer will help you after a crash.
There Are Two Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
When learning about what uninsured motorist coverage is, it’s important to note that there are two types of UM coverage: reduced, which is sometimes called traditional, and add-on, which is sometimes called excess:
- Reduced coverage, as it sounds, is reduced by the coverage carried by the at-fault party. For example, if you carry $100,000 in reduced UM coverage and are injured in an accident caused by someone who carries only $25,000 in liability coverage, your UM coverage is reduced to $75,000.
- Add-on coverage, on the other hand, provides coverage above and beyond the at-fault driver’s coverage. In the same scenario as above, your UM coverage would therefore not be reduced, and you would instead be able to potentially recover up to $125,000 if your claim so warranted.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?
In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage is not strictly required, but state law does require insurers to offer it to policyholders. Under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage to Georgia drivers, and drivers must explicitly reject it in writing if they don’t want it.
This means that if you’ve never signed a written rejection of UM coverage, there’s a real chance you have UM coverage on your policy without even knowing it.
If you’re unsure what your policy includes or whether you have a valid UM claim after being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, an attorney will review your coverage and help you understand your options. Meet with a lawyer today to learn more about what uninsured motorist coverage is and take the first step toward compensation.
What’s the Difference Between UM vs. UIM Coverage?
When reviewing your auto policy, you may come across the terms UM and UIM and wonder if they mean the same thing. Understanding the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is important because each protects you in a slightly different situation.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has absolutely no insurance at all, or in hit-and-run situations where the responsible driver cannot be identified.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their policy limits aren’t high enough to fully cover your losses.
In Georgia, both types of protection are commonly bundled together under a single UM policy, but the rules governing how each applies to your claim can be complicated.
Fortunately, an attorney will review your policy, explain what uninsured motorist coverage is and how it differs from an underinsured motorist policy, and seek full compensation for you.
What Is Economic-Only UM Coverage?
Georgia law gives drivers a third option beyond reduced and add-on coverage: economic-only uninsured motorist coverage. As the name suggests, this type of policy covers only your financial losses after a crash.
It can provide compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, but excludes non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Because it provides less comprehensive protection, economic-only UM coverage typically comes with lower premiums, making it an attractive option for drivers looking to reduce their insurance costs.
If you’re unsure which type of policy you have and are still asking yourself, “What is uninsured motorist coverage?” speak to a lawyer. An attorney will answer all your questions and pursue maximum compensation from the correct source.
How a Lawyer Will Help You
Seeking damages after a serious accident can be incredibly difficult, especially if you’re dealing with a painful and restricting injury. The good news is that a personal injury lawyer will handle every step of your case and pursue the damages you deserve.
Here’s what your lawyer will do to help:
- Investigate your crash and gather valuable evidence for your claim
- Analyze crash reports, review surveillance footage of the incident, and speak to witnesses
- File a strong claim on your behalf
- Calculate how much you’re owed
- Negotiate with insurers to get a fair settlement
- Take your case to court if insurers refuse to offer what you’re owed
- Guide you through the claims process, answer all your questions, and explain what uninsured motorist coverage is so you understand your case
Speak With a Lawyer and Learn What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is
At Jones & Swanson, we’ve recovered over $50 million in settlements for injury victims in Georgia. We are local attorneys and leaders in the bar association. Injured Georgians come to us first after serious accidents. We provide the personalized care and compassionate counsel you need to get back on your feet after a bad accident.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started on your case. Our Marietta car accident attorney will meet with you to listen to your story, explain what uninsured motorist coverage is, and help you get started on your claim.
