What happens when a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits?
You faithfully pay into your provider, but the amount of money you can get back after an accident isn’t infinite. Plus, if another driver is at fault, there’s no telling what their insurance provider will be able to do for you. Every driver needs to know what happens when a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits.
When a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits, you can file an uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim with your insurance provider, or you may need to hire a car accident lawyer to get the full compensation that you deserve.
It is common for Georgia drivers to only carry the minimum required auto insurance liability coverage. Car accidents can easily cause injuries that exceed insurance limits, even if it’s just a mild fender bender that results in a recurring injury. For this reason, it’s important to carry UM/UIM coverage on your policy.
Whether you were just involved in a severe accident or you’re struggling to get the compensation you deserve outside of court, we can help. A top car accident lawyer at Haug Law Group can answer any questions you may have and help you decide which path is best for you.
Call 1-844-428-4529 or send us a message now to get in touch with a team member and schedule your free consultation.
Georgia Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements
In Georgia, drivers must carry a minimum bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Additionally, the state of Georgia requires all drivers to carry a minimum property damage liability of $25,000 per accident.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is an optional cost to your premium and add-on to your policy. It is not required, but it is recommended. UM/UIM coverage often covers the same or similar amount of coverage – bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and/or $25,000 in property damage.
Claiming Damages After an Accident
After an accident, you may be unsure what damages you can claim. You may have suffered a serious injury, a totaled vehicle, or a combination of several different damages. The bottom line is that you are entitled to receive compensation for all damages that were due to the other driver’s fault, according to Georgia’s modified comparative fault law.
Many types of damages can be claimed through a third-party insurance provider and in a legal claim when necessary. You can file a lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, the percentage that you are found at fault will be deducted from your total settlement award.
Types of damages can be claimed following a car accident include:
- Wrongful death
- Lost future wages
- Suffering and pain damages
- Property damages
- Personal possession damages
- Medical bills and expenses
The claims process can be complex and complicated, but Haug Law Group can help you with all aspects of this process. We can help you decide what damages to claim and the best route to take to get the compensation that you deserve.
Together, we will use evidence and facts to prove fault and hold the defendant liable for the damages that they caused.
How quickly do I need to file a car accident lawsuit?
If you choose to pursue a car accident lawsuit, it is very important to look at the legal limitations to determine how quickly you need to take action. You might not be able to claim compensation through a lawsuit if too much time has passed following the accident.
If a loved one has died in a car accident and you want to claim wrongful death, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 states that all wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 also covers personal injury damages, and these types of claims must be brought forth within two years from the date of the accident as well.
For personal property damages, O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32 allows victims to bring forth personal property claims up to four years from the date that the accident occurred.
Meet a Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
Knowing what happens when a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits clears up confusion and prevents additional financial stress. When your accident claim exceeds your insurance limits, Haug Law Group can help. We have decades of experience helping car accident victims who’ve experienced life-changing damages. We can help you claim the compensation that you deserve.
And since we work on a contingency fee agreement, you never pay until we win.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with a top Atlanta car accident lawyer by sending us a message or calling 1-844-428-4529 to talk to a team member today.