Purchasing car insurance is a crucial part of carefully operating a vehicle. Thankfully, state laws require that all vehicles have a minimum amount of insurance coverage. Drivers must buy an adequate policy if they hope to hit the road in their new car. Unfortunately, many motorists ignore this requirement and decide to drive without sufficient coverage. This could make any accident case complicated since a negligent and uninsured driver would not be able to provide monetary damages to the wounded plaintiff.
If you were hit by someone who had no coverage or an insufficient policy, a skilled vehicle collision attorney could outline your options for handling uninsured or underinsured car accidents in Marietta. For instance, if you purchased the available protection from these crashes, you could likely collect the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Coverage Explained
Underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is crucial because it protects drivers when the guilty motorist has insufficient auto insurance to compensate them for the damages they suffered. The policies usually work to award compensation when the other driver cannot afford to pay any. State laws require all coverage providers to offer these plans to every new customer.
The primary difference between uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured protection is that UM plans protect against negligent drivers who failed to purchase any sort of framework. Meanwhile, UIM plans help plaintiffs recover after being hit by someone who had a liability plan with insufficient protection.
Declining Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 33-7-11 explains that a driver can decline uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if they read the fine print, click the button, and consent to this omission. However, denying or refusing this coverage can have devastating consequences in the future. An accident with an uninsured motorist could leave an innocent person with years of expensive hospital bills or vehicle repair fees.
Fully understanding uninsured and underinsured vehicle insurance policies is challenging, but a knowledgeable attorney in Marietta could assess their client’s plan and explain how it would impact the process of filing a car accident claim.
Seeking Damages after a Collision with an Insufficiently Covered Driver
After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, the injured party can seek compensation for their damages and losses. To do this, they will need to establish that the defendant’s negligence definitely caused the accident. Once the plaintiff has enough evidence to successfully establish liability, they usually have two options for moving forward.
If the plaintiff did not purchase UM or UIM protection, their best choice is likely pursuing a civil lawsuit for compensation. However, if they did buy this coverage, they can implement that policy to hold the defendant accountable. Typical compensation offered by these plans include repayments for:
- Current and future lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Medical bills
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Lost opportunities
- Reduced enjoyment of daily life
For help with maximizing damages after being hit by an insufficiently covered driver, a plaintiff could work with a Marietta lawyer who specializes in car accidents.
Speak With an Attorney about Uninsured or Underinsured Car Accidents in Marietta
Regardless of the circumstances of your case, it is essential to reach out to a legal professional immediately after a car crash with an uninsured motorist. These reckless and negligent individuals deserve to be held accountable for choosing to drive without protection and regard for the safety of others.
Underinsured or uninsured driver policies help protect against these collisions, so anyone operating their vehicle should be sure to purchase one. If you need help understanding your options for dealing with uninsured or underinsured car accidents in Marietta, our team of experienced legal representatives could protect your rights as a careful driver. Schedule your appointment online today.