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Sandy Springs Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

Helping You Deal With Complex Insurance Claims in and Around Atlanta

Car accidents are stressful enough, but when the driver who caused the crash has no insurance—or not enough insurance to cover your losses—the situation can feel even more dire. Fortunately, Georgia law provides a path to compensation through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, although these claims can quickly become complicated.

At The Herro Law Firm, we help individuals and families who have been hurt in accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers. We know how to deal with insurance companies, even your own, and can help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under your policy. Most importantly, we provide the personal attention and clear communication you need during this challenging time.

The Uninsured Driver Problem in Georgia

Even though auto insurance is legally required in Georgia, over 18% of drivers continue to hit the road without liability coverage. That means nearly one in five drivers on Georgia roads right now are uninsured. Others carry only the minimum liability coverage, which may not be enough to pay for serious injuries.

Georgia’s minimum required liability insurance limits are:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage

In accidents involving major injuries or multiple victims, these minimums can be exhausted quickly. When that happens, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to make up the difference.

How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. Meanwhile, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages. In Georgia, UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory, but insurance companies must offer it when you purchase a policy. You can reject this coverage in writing, but having it is highly recommended to protect yourself from uninsured drivers. UM/UIM coverage can apply not just to accidents with known drivers, but also in hit-and-run situations where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

There are two types of UM/UIM coverage in Georgia:

  • Add-on coverage: This coverage stacks on top of the at-fault driver’s liability limits, giving you more protection.

  • Reduction coverage: This coverage only applies if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s liability limits, and the amount you can collect is offset by what the other driver’s insurance pays.

Understanding how your coverage applies requires careful policy review, which is something The Herro Law Firm can handle for you.

Why Uninsured Motorist Claims Are So Challenging

Many people assume that filing a UM/UIM claim with their own insurance company will be straightforward. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Your insurance company may, for example, dispute the severity of your injuries, question whether the other driver was actually at fault, offer a low settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses, or delay your claim to pressure you into accepting less. They might also apportion some measure of responsibility for the crash to you, which can reduce your recovery or cancel it altogether in some cases.

Although you are working with “your” insurance company, that doesn’t mean their interests are the same as yours. Even though it’s your insurance policy, your insurer’s goal is still to minimize payouts. That’s why you need a skilled attorney who knows how to hold them accountable.

The Herro Law Firm Can Help With Your UM/UIM Claim

When you work with The Herro Law Firm, we handle all aspects of your uninsured motorist claim so you can focus on your recovery. We can help by reviewing your policy to determine how much coverage is available. We’ll investigate the accident to prove the other driver’s fault, collecting medical records, accident reports, and other evidence to support your damages. Our team is skilled at getting results, whether that means negotiating with your insurance company to seek a fair settlement or taking your case to court if your insurer refuses to pay what you deserve.

Attorney Anthony Herro personally oversees every case, ensuring you receive the responsive service and experienced advocacy you need. Whether your claim involves an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run accident, or a policy dispute, we will stand by you every step of the way.

What Damages Can You Recover in an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

In a UM/UIM claim, the types of damages are generally the same as what you would recover in a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This means that if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical bills, including future medical expenses
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Property damage

Hit-and-Run Accidents and UM Coverage

Georgia courts recognize that hit-and-run accidents are covered under uninsured motorist policies when the at-fault driver is unknown or cannot be located. However, these claims can be difficult to prove because your insurer may question whether another vehicle was involved at all. It’s therefore crucial to report the accident to the police immediately, document the scene and gather any available witness information, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. In addition, the sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case and recovering the compensation you deserve.

Time Limits for Filing a UM/UIM Claim in Georgia

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. This deadline also applies to uninsured motorist claims as well, although some policies may include their own deadlines for notifying the insurance company or filing a claim. It’s important not to delay. The sooner you start the process, the easier it will be to gather the necessary evidence and protect your right to compensation.

Get Personal, Effective Help from The Herro Law Firm

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you shouldn’t try to deal with the insurance companies on your own. The Herro Law Firm is ready to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations, and we handle uninsured motorist cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win for you. Contact The Herro Law Firm to get started today. Let us stand up for you and help you move forward with confidence.