Driving Without Proper Insurance Coverage

The Georgia Office of Highway Safety estimates that over 112,000 people will be injured in automobile crashes in Georgia in 2016. Over 1,100 people will be killed in Georgia in automobile accidents in 2016.  Far greater numbers may have accidents without significant or reported injuries. Severe injury and death are obviously the most severe consequences of an automobile accident, however there are other issues that arise in these unfortunate instances. One major problem is an accident where the at fault driver is uninsured.  

All Georgia drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The minimum required coverage for all drivers is as follows: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per occurrence, as well as $25,000 of property damage liability per occurrence. If the at-fault driver has these or greater coverages then you may be able to recover damages according to those policy limits.  A problem arises if the at fault driver does not have insurance. Unfortunately many drivers ignore the law and drive without insurance, which gives rise to many problems for all involved.

Penalties For Driving Without Insurance in Georgia

In Georgia, driving without proper insurance can be a serious offense, and can trigger a suspension of your vehicle’s registration. If you are found to be driving with a suspended registration for lack of proper insurance the penalties can include a fine of $85, a driver’s license and registration suspension of 60 days, and imprisonment of up to one year in the county jail.  

If you are at fault in an accident without proper insurance coverage you may also be subject to civil liability. The driver of the other vehicle may sue you and seek a judgment against you for damages to their property as well as any injuries sustained in the accident.

What to Do If You Are in an Accident With an At-fault Driver Who Is Uninsured

If you are in an accident with somebody who is uninsured or underinsured according to Georgia law, you may still have remedies. The first thing you should do is contact an experienced, aggressive automobile accident attorney. You should also make sure you seek immediate medical treatment for any and all injuries sustained. It is also important to obtain and secure copies of all reports and papers related to the incident. An experienced attorney can help you deal with the insurance companies involved, as well as potentially filing a civil suit against the uninsured or underinsured driver. You may be able to collect a judgment against the at-fault driver or seize assets if they are available to cover your losses.

First Steps Following Any Automobile Accident

Any time you are in an automobile accident, the first thing you should always do is contact our aggressive auto accident attorneys in Douglasville, GA who will help protect your rights. The Law Office of John B. Jackson has years of experience handling exactly these kinds of issues. Whether you or another driver is uninsured or underinsured, The Law Office of John B. Jackson will do everything possible to protect your rights and ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your situation.