If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you obviously won’t be able to file a claim with their insurance company, but you can file a civil suit against the at-fault driver. A successful suit will provide you with the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and replace other accident-related losses.
However, filing a lawsuit can be difficult, especially if you’re struggling with a painful injury that requires medical treatment. Fortunately, an experienced uninsured motorist accident lawyer from Atlanta, GA, can help. They’ll explain what happens when you’re hit by an uninsured driver and pursue compensation for the injuries and losses you’ve suffered.
Filing a Lawsuit After You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Georgia
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Georgia, it’s important for you to understand that Georgia is an at-fault state. When a driver causes an accident in an at-fault state, they can be held liable by victims of the collision or crash.
Some states are known as no-fault states, which means victims of car accidents can’t pursue damages in civil court and must seek compensation from their own insurance provider. Fortunately, Georgia law allows you to hold the at-fault driver responsible for your injuries, financial losses, and non-economic challenges.
If your lawsuit against the offending driver is successful, they’ll be ordered by the court to pay you out-of-pocket for the losses you’ve incurred. Filing a strong lawsuit and arguing your case in court can be difficult, so you’ll want to hire an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer to help you.
What Happens if the Uninsured Driver Can’t Pay Out-of-Pocket?
In some situations, the uninsured driver may not have the funds to compensate you for all your economic and non-economic losses. Luckily, there are other options you can explore if this happens. An attorney can assess your situation and determine which of the following paths to compensation is the best choice for you:
Filing a Claim With Your Own Insurance
If you opted to add uninsured motorist coverage to your plan when you signed up for insurance, you may be able to file a claim for compensation with your own policy. You may also seek financial remedies from your own insurance company if you have a personal injury protection policy or another similar form of coverage.
Seeking Damages From Another Party
If you were hit by an uninsured driver in Georgia and were unable to pay damages out of pocket, you may also be able to seek remedies from another party involved in the accident. In some cases, multiple people can be at fault for a collision.
For example, if one driver was texting while driving and swerved into a second car, causing the second car to collide with your vehicle, the driver who was texting may also be held responsible. An attorney can investigate your accident and determine if anyone else may have been at fault.
If your lawyer finds that another motorist shares part of the blame, they can pursue legal action against that motorist. Cases like this can be complicated and confusing, so it’s best to hire a trusted lawyer who can take a detail-oriented approach and make your claim as successful as possible.
Compensation You Can Obtain From an Uninsured Driver in Georgia
If an uninsured driver hits you in Georgia and you decide to file a lawsuit against that driver or another at-fault motorist, you may receive a number of damages. Depending on how the collision has affected you, a winning suit may yield any of the following forms of compensation:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Don’t Wait to Take Legal Action Against the Offending Driver
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Georgia, you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit against them. Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you have two years from the date of the accident to submit a civil suit against the at-fault driver.
If you don’t file a lawsuit before the two-year deadline, you won’t be able to seek damages for your injuries and losses. Don’t delay your claim and risk your chance of receiving fair compensation. Instead, reach out to an attorney ASAP and make sure your suit is filed well before the deadline.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Dealing with a serious injury, extensive vehicle damage, and other negative outcomes from a car crash can be incredibly stressful, especially if the driver who caused the crash is uninsured. Fortunately, the team at Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer can provide the resources you need to recover compensation for your losses.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a legal representative from our team. We’ll meet with you to discuss your case and explain what happens when you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Georgia. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
