When a negligent driver causes an accident and you suffer an injury, it is reasonable to expect their car insurance to cover the costs of your medical care and other losses. It could be a shock to find out the at-fault driver does not have insurance, or that their available coverage is inadequate to compensate for your setbacks.
Thankfully, you usually have options in these situations. A vehicle crash attorney who handles uninsured or underinsured car accidents in Alpharetta could identify multiple sources of funds that might help you collect the monetary damages you deserve.
State Laws Require a Minimum Amount of Accident Coverage
The Official Code of Georgia §40-6-10 requires drivers to carry liability insurance on all their registered vehicles. This coverage pays works to pay anyone else who might have been involved in a crash. The state’s minimum coverage amount is $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 bodily injury for multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage. In some cases, this minimum coverage might be insufficient to repay a plaintiff for a significant injury or a severely damaged vehicle.
Usually, drivers statewide can purchase optional insurance that offers additional protection. Medical payment insurance (MedPay) covers the healthcare costs of anyone involved, up to the policy limits. Meanwhile, underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage works to repay a claimant for injuries and property damage caused by a negligent driver with an insufficient policy. Purchasing uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, but all companies statewide need to offer these policies.
However, even when a driver has adequate insurance (including MedPay and uninsured motorist coverage) the high cost of health care could still mean that their policy does not offer enough money to fully repay a wounded plaintiff. If this happens, a claimant could use their underinsured driver policy to file a civil claim that aims to hold the negligent defendant personally liable. A knowledgeable attorney in Alpharetta could assess a negligent driver’s insurance policy to determine whether the case involves underinsured or uninsured individuals.
Why is Acting Early Important When an Uninsured Driver Causes a Crash?
When it comes to most vehicle collision cases, state laws allow an injured person two years after an accident to file a lawsuit seeking damages. However, it is unwise to wait that long before retaining legal representation and beginning a claim.
Swift action is critical, especially when an uninsured motorist is involved. Since these cases usually become much more challenging than standard car accident claims, a hardworking attorney in Alpharetta might need more time to devise a strategy for holding the uninsured or underinsured driver accountable. Speaking with a legal advocate as soon as possible will likely boost the chances of collecting adequate financial compensation.
Call an Attorney About Uninsured or Underinsured Car Accidents in Alpharetta
If you were involved in a car crash and recently learned that the defendant does not have a sufficient insurance policy, you might be feeling like you have no options for seeking justice. However, you could likely turn things around by retaining a local representative.
If an uninsured or underinsured car accident in Alpharetta left you with injuries or expensive property damage, you should reach out to a dedicated lawyer. Contact the office today to speak with a legal professional and learn more about your options.