Decatur Uninsured Motorist Lawyers
In Georgia, all motorists are required to have auto insurance. The minimum requirements are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $25,000 per accident for property damage.
However, many drivers don’t have insurance. They take the risk of driving and hoping they don’t get involved in an accident. In Georgia, more than 12% of drivers are uninsured.
If you have been involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, obtaining compensation can be a real hassle. The Decatur uninsured motorist lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell can assess your case and help you understand your options.
Why Do Motorists Drive Without Insurance?
There are several main reasons why some motorists fail to buy auto insurance:
- Cost. Many drivers forego auto insurance because they cannot afford it. Premiums can cost a few thousand dollars per year, or $100-$200 a month. That’s a huge cost for many households to bear, on top of all other expenses. Even though getting into an accident without insurance can be much more expensive, many drivers are willing to take that risk.
- It’s too complicated. Buying insurance is not an easy task. It takes research, plus there are so many elements to compare. How do you know you’re paying a good price? That’s why there are many comparison websites nowadays. Use them to your advantage.
- They don’t think they need it. Some drivers—particularly younger ones—seem to think that insurance is optional. They may think they are good drivers and won’t get into an accident. Or maybe their vehicle is old and they don’t care if it gets damaged in a crash. Regardless, insurance is still a requirement.
What Can You Do?
If the uninsured motorist caused the accident, they are technically on the hook for paying for your damages. Since they are not insured, there is no insurance company to contact for compensation. This means that you can sue them, but if they don’t have insurance, chances are they don’t have much in terms of money and assets. This means obtaining compensation will be next to impossible.
You do have another option. You can protect yourself with uninsured motorist insurance. This coverage is offered by most insurance companies and pays for damages caused by uninsured motorists. You’ll have to pay extra for this insurance but you’ll get peace of mind. This coverage pays for damage to your car and any medical bills caused by the negligent driver, up to a certain threshold.
Contact Us Today
Not every driver follows the laws. While some fail to stop at stop signs or drive at a safe speed, others fail to meet their state’s insurance guidelines. This can be problematic in the event of a crash.
If you have been injured by an uninsured motorist, the Decatur lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell can help you understand your options. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (877) 215-6111.