Even though you don't have to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in Georgia, you may want to. According to a study from the Insurance Research Council, approximately 1 in 6 drivers in the United States is uninsured. The economic downturn and high unemployment rate may account for the lack of insurance being purchased by motorists.
The study, which appeared in the Uninsured Motorists 2008 Edition, based the statistic on projected unemployment rates. Even though the percentage of uninsured motorists went down during the 4-year period from 14.9% in 2003 to 13.8% in 2007, the study projected the number to increase in 2010 because of the economic downturn.
There is a strong correlation between a state's unemployment rate and uninsured motorists. The study found that an unemployment rate increase of 1% results in an increase of ¾ of a percent for the uninsured motorist rate. According to the Insurance Information Institute's 2010 projections, the current rate of uninsured motorists could be as high as 18%.
This means that if you're involved in a Georgia car accident, there is a high possibility the other driver will not have adequate insurance coverage, if any. The good news is that if you're in an accident with an uninsured motorist and you have UM/UIM coverage, you can still be compensated for your injuries and those of your passengers. While you may have health insurance that can cover your medical expenses, UM/UIM coverage can also account for your lost time at work and pain and suffering.
If you've been injured in a Georgia car accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist and need to seek compensation, either from your insurance company's UM/UIM coverage or directly against the liable party with a personal injury claim, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you determine your best course of action.
Contacting an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a traffic accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you may be eligible for to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case.
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