You’re driving down the road and get hit by an uninsured motorist in another car. The accident is clearly not your fault, but your neck hurts, and you have a serious bruise from your seatbelt. Your knee also hurts badly, and it may be broken. The police come and handle the report while the paramedics get you to the hospital. Later, you find out that the other driver is uninsured.
Unfortunately, this situation happens every day when an uninsured motorist causes an accident. You have medical bills to pay, among other things, which adds to your stress since you are not sure how you will be compensated for your injuries. A Dalton, GA car accident attorney, like Joshua J. Smith Attorney at Law, can step in to help you answer the question, “If I am hit by an uninsured motorist in Dalton, GA, how will I be compensated for my injuries?”
Who Pays for Uninsured Motorist Accidents?
The answer is that it depends on the situation. Normally, the other driver’s insurance company would pay for the damages indirectly. Your insurance company would pay you based on your coverage and then collect the balance from the other driver’s insurance company.
In this case, that won’t happen since there is no other company to collect the funds from. Unfortunately, you are responsible for handling the costs of your recovery. However, there is an option to make this process easier.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In Georgia, all insurance providers are required to offer an additional insurance plan that covers uninsured motorist accidents. The plan must meet the minimum requirements for your insurance plan. Essentially, it’s the same as buying an additional plan in case the other person does not have insurance.
While this may seem very unfair, it is a big help in this situation. It means that your insurance company will pay for your injuries regardless of if the other person has coverage. This plan ensures that you are covered in any situation.
File a Lawsuit Against the Other Driver
You can also try filing a lawsuit against the other driver for the damages. However, this is not likely to work in your favor. Most uninsured motorists don’t have the assets to cover their damages, which may be connected to why they don’t have insurance. You may recover some of the damages, but it will be a long, drawn-out struggle in most cases. If possible, it is better to have uninsured motorist insurance.
Other Types of Insurance That Can Help
There are several types of insurance that can help in this situation. Check your policy to see if you have any of them.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
PIP insurance can cover personal injuries and the injuries of your passengers. Many Pip insurance plans cover you no matter who is responsible for the accident. This could help with medical bills, which are a leading cause of stress after a car accident.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is another option that can help pay for your injuries. You likely have health insurance that will help with long-term recovery costs.
Contact a Georgia Uninsured Motorist Car Accident Attorney
Uninsured motorists are a problem that you, unfortunately, have to be prepared for, even though every driver is required by law to have car insurance. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, discuss your case with a Georgia uninsured motorist car accident attorney. Contact the law offices of Joshua J. Smith Attorney at Law by calling us at (706) 217-2095 or filling out our contact form.
