We presume that if the other driver is at fault, that person’s insurance policy will provide compensation for any loss. This is not always a safe assumption, because a collision may involve a driver who is uninsured, underinsured (does not have enough insurance), or flees the scene and cannot be found (hit and run). In such situations, your automobile insurance policy may provide uninsured motorist coverage (UM) that can provide compensation to you or a loved one-but only if you have uninsured motorist coverage! And do you have enough coverage?
Under Georgia law, any car insurance policy must offer UM coverage. Chances are that you have UM coverage unless you rejected such coverage in writing, but it is always good to double-check your policy. Many people only obtain the minimum (smallest amount) of UM coverage, but it is advisable to obtain as much as you can- in case you or a loved one sustains serious or catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of an uninsured or underinsured driver.
At Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, our attorneys have been assisting auto accident victims involved in serious accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers for over 39 years. We understand the importance of examining all possible avenues of recovery including UM coverage. Multiple insurance policies may apply and the option of “stacking,” or adding together two or more policies may be an option to provide additional compensation. This can be a real benefit to a seriously injured person by increasing the amount of money available for pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages.
In other situations, an injured party’s UM coverage is considered “excess” and can be stacked on top of (it can pay in addition to) the coverage of the underinsured at fault driver. That coverage can be used for a wide range of compensation that the negligent party would have been liable for, including, by way of example only, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. The injured person’s basic medical coverage may be exhausted before all of his or her bills are paid. At Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we will investigate all available options and help you coordinate policies and benefits, including UM coverage and health insurance, to make sure you obtain the maximum compensation available under your insurance.
Although most Georgia drivers have UM coverage, many insurance carriers will deny or undervalue a legitimate uninsured/underinsured claim following a serious or catastrophic accident. The consequences of such a denial can cripple a family financially and make it impossible to obtain necessary medical and rehabilitative care. The experienced auto accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, understand what is at stake, and fight for injured people’s rights every day to make sure that insurance companies pay the compensation that is due.
To take full advantage of your UM coverage, it is important to comply with all of the applicable requirements of your UM policy. Did you know that UM coverage could apply even if you or your injured family member were riding in another person’s vehicle, a bicycle or motorcycle?
