[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/accident-with-uninsured-underinsured-motorist\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/accident-with-uninsured-underinsured-motorist\/","headline":"What Should I Do After an Accident with an Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist in Georgia?","name":"What Should I Do After an Accident with an Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist in Georgia?","description":"According to the\u00a0Insurance Information Institute\u00a0(III), about one in eight drivers are uninsured despite legal requirements that they carry minimum levels of auto liability coverage. Being involved in an accident with one of these drivers can result in a serious headache for injured victims. That\u2019s where uninsured\/underinsured motorist (UM\/UIM)...","datePublished":"2023-01-24","dateModified":"2025-10-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/#Person","name":"Ken Bernard","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/drivers-fault-car-accident.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/drivers-fault-car-accident.jpg","height":666,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/accident-with-uninsured-underinsured-motorist\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujsFf9KEWGA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujsFf9KEWGA","name":"What is an uninsured or under insured motorist claim? | Sherrod & Bernard","description":"Uninsured motorist coverage also known as UM coverage is a type of insurance you use when a client gets injured by a person driving without insurance or without enough insurance. It is important to know that UM coverage is optional coverage and has to be purchased from getting an automobile policy. \n\nWe find uninsured motorist coverage on your personal vehicle, a policy of someone that you are related to and live with or the vehicle that you were in at the time of the accident. In Georgia what is very important is it notices provided timely to all potential UM carriers. Because UM claims are contractual in nature, you must comply with the notice provisions which typically are within 30 days of many accident but could be sooner. \n\nThere are many intricacies in UM coverage and because of the contractual nature, it is very important that you call Sharon Bernard to review all available policies and comply with their claims requirements.\n\n_____________________________\nSherrod & Bernard, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers in Douglasville\n8470 Price Ave \nDouglasville, GA 30134\nPhone: (770) 920 - 8350\nwww.sherrodandbernard.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ujsFf9KEWGA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ujsFf9KEWGA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ujsFf9KEWGA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ujsFf9KEWGA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/ujsFf9KEWGA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2018-12-28T18:29:46+00:00","duration":"PT1M16S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ujsFf9KEWGA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujsFf9KEWGA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujsFf9KEWGA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujsFf9KEWGA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujsFf9KEWGA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":16737}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujsFf9KEWGA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":3}]},"about":["Auto Accident"],"wordCount":1040,"articleBody":"According to the\u00a0Insurance Information Institute\u00a0(III), about one in eight drivers are uninsured despite legal requirements that they carry minimum levels of auto liability coverage. Being involved in an accident with one of these drivers can result in a serious headache for injured victims.That\u2019s where uninsured\/underinsured motorist (UM\/UIM) insurance kicks in. If you purchased this kind of insurance, the first thing to do after a covered accident is file a claim with your insurer. Underinsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and losses when an at-fault driver\u2019s liability insurance is insufficient. Uninsured motorist coverage does the same when the at-fault driver has no liability coverage at all.If you are hurt by an uninsured\/underinsured driver, it is also a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney to make sure you know your rights and are not taken advantage of by\u00a0insurance company adjusters\u00a0eager to deny your claim. At\u00a0Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our skilled legal team is standing by to help. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Georgia\u00a0personal injury lawyer.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Auto Liability Insurance are Drivers Required to Carry in Georgia?As in most states, drivers in Georgia are legally required to carry minimum levels of auto liability insurance. This kind of insurance covers injuries and damages sustained by occupants in other vehicles when you cause an accident. The legal minimums are as follows:$25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage$25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverageWhat Are the Penalties for Noncompliance?Drivers in Georgia are required to carry\u00a0proof of insurance. Failure to do so can result in license suspension and criminal penalties. Specifically, the\u00a0governing statute\u00a0provides that \u201cany person who fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months, or both.\u201d It is also illegal to \u201cknowingly make a false statement or certification\u201d that you carry legally-mandated insurance.Is Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Required in Georgia?No, UM\/UIM coverage is\u00a0not legally mandatory\u00a0in Georgia.\u00a0That said, all drivers should seriously consider including this kind of coverage as part of their auto insurance if they can. In addition to providing peace of mind, it will act as a financial safety net in the unfortunate event the at-fault driver in an accident you are involved in has insufficient or nonexistent liability coverage.Even though drivers are not legally required to purchase UM\/UIM coverage, insurance companies must offer it to all customers purchasing a new auto liability policy. They must offer it in amounts at least equal to the minimum levels of auto liability insurance required by law. Customers are free to purchase higher levels if they choose. However, if they instead choose to purchase none, they must decline in writing.What Does Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist Insurance Cover?In general, UM\/UIM insurance covers the same things as auto liability insurance. This makes sense since UM\/UIM coverage is meant to kick in precisely when auto liability insurance will not get the job done. That said, insurance policies are littered with fine-print exclusions and should be read carefully to make sure you know exactly what coverage you are entitled to. In most cases, a UM\/UIM policy will cover things like:Medical billsLost income due to your injuriesPhysical pain and sufferingLoss of consortiumWrongful deathProperty damage repair or replacementNotably, in many cases, Georgia law allows you to \u201cstack\u201d multiple insurance policies. For example, if a\u00a0car accident\u00a0leaves you with $200,000 in damages but the at-fault driver only has minimum levels of auto liability insurance, you may be able to cover the remainder through your UM\/UIM policy.Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?Yes. If the at-fault driver cannot be found after a\u00a0hit-and-run accident, insurance companies will normally process your claims as though the absent driver was uninsured.Are There Other Routes Toward Compensation After an Accident with an Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist?There are a number of other avenues toward securing legal compensation in the event of a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured\/underinsured driver. This section explores a few.Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance \u2013\u00a0This kind of auto insurance provides coverage regardless of who is at fault for an accident. It covers things like medical expenses, disabilities, and lost wages.Medical Payments (MedPay) Insurance\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 Like PIP insurance, this kind of insurance provides coverage regardless of who is at fault for an accident. However, the coverage is typically less expansive. Medical expenses are covered, but things like lost wages are not.Collision Coverage\u00a0Insurance \u2013\u00a0Collision insurance is not legally mandatory in Georgia. However, when borrowing money to purchase a car, many lenders require that you purchase collision coverage. This kind of auto insurance pays for vehicle damage regardless of who is at fault for an accident.Comprehensive Coverage Insurance\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Comprehensive insurance is also not legally required. However, like collision coverage, it may be required by lenders when borrowing money to purchase a car. This kind of auto insurance provides coverage for vehicle damage caused by things like vandalism, fire, theft, and floods.Filing a lawsuit\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Finally, you could always proceed directly to filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In most cases, you must do so before two years pass after the date of the accident. If the defendant does not have enough liquid assets to pay you the compensation ordered by a court, you can try to obtain a\u00a0judgment lien\u00a0on their property. Proceeds from selling the encumbered property can then be used to satisfy the judgment.Contact a Georgia Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer TodayIf you were injured by an uninsured\/underinsured driver, you do not need to face the legal aftermath alone. At\u00a0Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we have helped injury victims throughout Georgia secure the compensation they deserve. We are ready to do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Georgia personal injury lawyer.Visit Our Georgia Car Accident Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Should I Do After an Accident with an Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist in Georgia?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/accident-with-uninsured-underinsured-motorist\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]