It is critical that all Georgia residents understand our state’s automobile insurance laws so that you are protected in the event of an accident and meet the state’s legal requirements. At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our car accident attorneys understand the importance of having comprehensive automobile accident insurance as it can assist you significantly in the event of an accident. We offer the following look at some insurance basics. Contact your insurance agent to determine whether you have the coverage you need.
Georgia Follows a Fault System
The state of Georgia uses a fault system when it comes to liability for car accidents. This means that the at-fault driver will be liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the accident and his or her insurance will be used first to provide compensation for the accident victim.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Georgia
Georgia, like all states, sets certain minimum requirements for automobile insurance. All drivers must carry at least these policy limits or they face fines and more. The minimum coverage a Georgia driver must carry is:
• $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
• $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person in the accident
• $25,000 for property damage
While these are the insurance minimums, it is recommended that Georgia drivers carry more insurance than this. These limits are low and most accidents will result in damages that exceed these amounts. You could be held liable for damages in excess of the minimum insurance requirements, making it important for you to secure coverage that will realistically protect you fully in the event of an accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Georgia does not mandate uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. This coverage is generally offered when you purchase your policy as supplemental coverage. It is intended to protect you in the event you are injured in an accident and the at-fault driver does not have insurance or carries an insufficient amount of insurance to cover the damages associated with the accident.
Georgia divides UM/UIM coverage into two types – stacking and non-stacking. Non-stacking uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will be reduced by the other driver’s insurance. For instance, if you carry $25,000 non-stacking UM/UIM and the other driver has standard $25,000 coverage, the two policies will cancel each other out and your policy will not be needed. In contrast, excess coverage will “add on” coverage to the amount you are able to recover from the at-fault driver’s coverage. This means that in the above scenario, you would have $25,000 in addition to the other driver’s policy to cover damages. Be sure you understand what coverage you have and secure the coverage that will best assist you in the event of an accident.
Put Our Law Firm’s Over 39 Years of Legal Experience to Work For You Case
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you will need knowledgeable counsel to represent your legal interests. The Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, represent accident victims across Georgia and in the Southeast. Our firm has over 39 years of experience and is committed to providing zealous representation to each injured client. The sooner you act after your accident, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of a licensed lawyer as soon as possible.
Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
https://www.oci.ga.gov/consumerservice/autoinsurance.aspx