Atlanta Uninsured Motorist Lawyers
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If you’ve been hit by another driver in Atlanta, you likely expect their insurance to be able to cover your damages. However, if they have no insurance or not enough to cover your injuries, it can feel overwhelming.
In Georgia, about 18.1% of drivers are uninsured. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to help cover medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or when involved in a hit-and-run accident.
At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we help victims pursue maximum compensation through uninsured and underinsured motorist claims (UM/UIM). You’ll work directly with an experienced Atlanta underinsured motorist attorney who will help identify available insurance coverage and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We’re available 24/7 and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until we recover damages for you.
Why Georgia Drivers Face a High Risk of Uninsured Motorist Accidents
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Georgia ranks 11th in the nation for uninsured drivers, with approximately 18.1% of drivers lacking coverage. Nearly 1.4 million registered drivers are without coverage. That means more than one million drivers on the road may not be able to pay for the damage they cause.
Several factors contribute to this higher risk across Atlanta:
- Rising Insurance Costs: Higher premiums lead some drivers to go without coverage
- Heavy Traffic Volume: Congested Atlanta roads increase the likelihood of accidents
- Enforcement Limitations: State programs cannot prevent all uninsured driving
With the high risk of uninsured crashes, having a trusted uninsured motorist lawyer on your side helps protect your rights.
Understanding Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11), insurers must offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with every auto policy. Drivers must reject this coverage in writing. However, this is often overlooked, meaning many people have this protection without realizing it.
Georgia also requires minimum liability coverage under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-10:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
In addition to these minimums, both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may apply:
- UM: Covers you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or is a hit-and-run
- UIM: Covers the gap when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough
At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, our Atlanta uninsured motorist lawyers have secured full compensation for clients when the at-fault driver’s insurance was not enough to cover their damages.
| Coverage Type | Who It Covers | When It Applies |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | You, your passengers, and family members | At-fault driver has zero insurance or is a hit-and-run |
| Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | You, your passengers, and family members | At-fault driver’s policy is insufficient to cover your damages |
Reduced-By vs. Add-On Coverage — A Critical Georgia Distinction
In Georgia, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage typically comes in two forms:
- Reduced-by (traditional) UM: Your UM coverage is reduced by whatever the at-fault driver’s insurer pays. For example, if the at-fault driver pays $20,000 and you have $50,000 in UM coverage, your maximum additional recovery is $30,000.
- Add-on UM: Your UM coverage is stacked on top of the at-fault driver’s insurance. This means you can recover up to your full UM limits in addition to what the at-fault insurer pays.
Add-on coverage is generally more beneficial because it can significantly increase total compensation. It’s important to review your insurance declarations page to understand which type you have.
Our experienced attorneys can help identify your coverage and maximize your recovery.
Does UM Coverage Apply to Hit-and-Run Accidents?
In Georgia, UM coverage generally applies to hit-and-run accidents, but physical contact with the unidentified vehicle is typically required. At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we help clients determine whether their claim qualifies and gather the necessary evidence to establish liability.
What Damages Can You Recover in an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
A car accident can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm. Especially when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your losses, you may feel overwhelmed. That’s why our Atlanta uninsured motorist lawyers help clients file UM claims to recover the compensation they need after a crash.
Damages you may recover in an uninsured motorist claim include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced future earning ability
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term impact
- Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement when covered under your policy
- Wrongful Death: Compensation for families who have lost a loved one
What To Do After a Collision With an Uninsured Driver in Atlanta
If you’ve been in a collision, you may feel scared and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps after a crash with an uninsured driver is important to protect both your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and report the accident – Get an official police report and document the other driver’s information, even if they do not have insurance.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Some injuries may not appear right away. Early treatment also creates important medical records for your claim.
- Document the scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, the roadway, and any visible injuries.
- Do not accept payment or sign anything – The at-fault driver may try to settle informally, which could harm your ability to recover full compensation.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the accident, but avoid giving a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact an Atlanta uninsured motorist lawyer – Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and ensures your claim is handled correctly from the start.
How an Atlanta Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Can Help
Recovering compensation for an uninsured motorist claim is often more complex than a standard insurance claim. In many cases, you are dealing directly with your own insurance company, which may try to limit or deny what you receive. It’s best not to handle this process alone.
An Atlanta uninsured motorist lawyer can help by:
- Identifying all available coverage – We review your policy in detail, determine if you have reduced-by or add-on coverage, and identify any additional policies that may apply.
- Handling insurance negotiations – Our firm negotiates directly with insurers to pursue the full value of your claim.
- Pursuing litigation when necessary – If your claim is denied or undervalued, we are prepared to take legal action.
- Addressing bad faith practices – If a Georgia insurer wrongfully delays or denies a UM claim, our firm can pursue bad faith damages under O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6.
Why Choose Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers for Your Uninsured Motorist Case
At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we provide hands-on representation and local experience to help clients across the Atlanta metro area pursue full compensation for UM claims.
We serve clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding communities, including Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta, Dunwoody, College Park, and East Point.
What sets our firm apart:
- Contingency Fee Representation: No upfront costs, and no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
- Personalized Attention: You work directly with attorney Graham Scofield.
- Local Atlanta knowledge: Insight into local courts, insurers, and claim trends.
- 24/7 Availability: Critical evidence can disappear quickly after a crash. We’re available 24/7 to respond quickly and protect your claim.
From investigation to negotiation and litigation, we handle every step of your case so you can focus on recovery.
Call us at (404) 939-9470 to speak to an Atlanta underinsured motorist lawyer today. Also, you may fill-out our online contact form to schedule a free case review with an Atlanta uninsured motorist lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions — Atlanta Uninsured Motorist Lawyers
What is uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia?
Uninsured motorist coverage is optional insurance required to be offered under Georgia law. It protects you if you are injured by a driver with no insurance, insufficient coverage, or in a hit-and-run accident.
What’s the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when their policy does not fully cover your damages. Both types of coverage may apply in a single claim.
Do I need a lawyer to file a UM claim in Georgia?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a UM claim, but it is strongly recommended. Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts, even on claims made under your own policy.
How long do I have to file an uninsured motorist claim in Georgia?
In most cases, under Georgia law you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Does UM coverage apply if the other driver fled the scene?
Georgia uninsured motorist coverage typically applies to hit-and-run accidents, though physical contact with the other vehicle is typically required.
What if the uninsured driver has personal assets?
You may file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver regardless of their insurance status. If they have assets, a judgment may be enforceable, and an attorney can assess this option.
Can my own insurer deny my UM claim?
Yes. If your UM claim is wrongly denied or delayed, Georgia bad faith insurance laws (O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6) may entitle you to additional damages. Consult an uninsured motorist coverage lawyer right away.
Is there a cost to speak with an Atlanta uninsured motorist lawyer?
No. At Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.