Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims in Georgia
Protecting Injured Drivers When Insurance Coverage Falls Short
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough—but what happens if the at-fault driver has little or no insurance? In Georgia, uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) claims exist to protect you, but insurance companies often make these claims complicated and adversarial.
At Van Sant Law, we’ve recovered millions for Georgia car accident victims, and our experience as former insurance defense attorneys gives us a unique advantage in negotiating and litigating UM/UIM claims. We know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—so you can get the compensation you deserve.
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- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Provides compensation if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Applies when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are insufficient to fully cover your injuries and losses.
UM and UIM claims protect you against gaps in coverage, but insurers often attempt to settle quickly for far less than your full damages. That’s where Van Sant Law’s defense-side experience becomes a key advantage—we anticipate and counter insurer tactics before they can reduce your recovery.
What Should I Do If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured:
- Notify your insurance company immediately.
- Provide only factual information. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident.
- Document your injuries and damages. Keep medical records, bills, lost wages documentation, and evidence of vehicle damage.
- Contact a skilled attorney. Insurers often try to minimize UM/UIM payouts. Our team prepares your claim to withstand these challenges.
With Van Sant Law, clients receive direct attorney involvement from start to finish, ensuring that UM/UIM claims are handled aggressively and strategically.
Will My Auto Insurance Policy Cover My Injuries?
Not every auto policy automatically provides UM/UIM coverage. In Georgia:
- UM/UIM coverage is optional, but insurers must offer it.
- Stacked coverage may apply if you have multiple vehicles on one policy.
- Coverage limits may be lower than your actual damages.
Navigating these rules can be confusing. Van Sant Law attorneys carefully review your policy, identify all available coverage, and make sure you pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Georgia law.
What If My Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover Everything?
- UM/UIM claims are critical when your health insurance falls short.
- Medical bills from serious injuries can quickly exceed policy limits.
- Lost wages, rehabilitation, and future care costs may not be fully covered.
- Pain and suffering, permanent disability, and emotional distress are often unreimbursed without UM/UIM claims.
Our forensic approach includes:
- Detailed documentation of damages
- Coordination with medical providers
- Expert testimony when necessary
This ensures your claim accounts for both current and future losses.
Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation
UM/UIM claims are inherently adversarial. Insurance companies may:
- Delay or deny claims
- Misinterpret policy language to reduce payouts
- Attempt early settlements that undervalue your injuries
At Van Sant Law, we prepare each case as if it will go to trial. Our insider knowledge from defending insurers allows us to counter lowball offers, anticipate disputes, and negotiate fair settlements. Clients benefit from:
- Evidence-driven case building
- Full evaluation of liability, damages, and policy limits
- Personalized attention from experienced attorneys
- Aggressive litigation if insurers refuse to act reasonably
FAQs About UM/UIM Claims in Georgia
Q: How long does it take to resolve an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim?
A: Resolution varies depending on injury severity, insurer cooperation, and policy complexity. Serious claims may take months, while complex cases may require litigation. Early legal involvement helps expedite fair outcomes.
Q: Can I stack UM/UIM coverage?
A: Yes, if your policy allows stacked coverage, multiple vehicles or policies can increase your available compensation. Our attorneys review all options to ensure you claim every dollar available.
Q: What types of damages can I recover?
A: You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, permanent disability, emotional distress, and property damage. We calculate damages comprehensively to reflect both current and future impact.
Q: Do I have to pay upfront fees?
A: No. Van Sant Law works on a contingency basis: you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
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"David and his crew worked so hard to come to a great conclusion on my case."
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office.
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Back in March I was involved in a rear end collision accident. The are very professional and will do whatever it takes to get the best possible offer when it comes with the insurance. 5/5 will recommend to everyone
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Van Sant Law worked on my personal injury case, and they have gone above and beyond in representing me as a client. They gave multiple updates throughout the course of the case. I would highly recommend Van Sant to friends and family, and I would choose them as my personal injury attorney if I were to have a personal injury claim. Thank you, Van Sant Law!
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"David Van Sant has been by my side through it all."
I would like to thank everyone in Van Sant Law for answering any questions that I have in a timely manner. I can personally say, Everyone in deserves recognition for being honest, hard working, ethical, logical, dedicated people. The only reason I rated them 5 stars is because it would not let me go higher!
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My attorney, David Van Sant and his law firm were outstanding in handling my personal injury case. I was out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an automobile accident and Mr. Van Sant and his entire team were always kind, professional, knowledgeable and especially available. This law firm did their absolute best to answer and return calls and at no time did I ever feel like just a number or stranger. My experience with Mr. Van Sant and his law firm (from beginning to end), were very positive as well as favorable.
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I had a head on collusion that left me with a totaled car & very bad injuries. From the first time I spoke to David Van Sant to the end I have been totally satisfied. I worked with Patricia she was very compassionate yet professional she was always ready to answer any concerns that I might have. I am grateful that my daughter found this law firm for me.
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Your Questions, Answered
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Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance If It Asks for My Statement?
You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Adjusters often ask early questions before the full extent of injuries is clear, and statements can be used later to dispute fault, causation, or the severity of harm. In most cases, it is prudent to let counsel handle communications so the claim is presented accurately and consistently.
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What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Use to Reduce Car Accident Payouts?
Insurance companies often frame car accident claims as routine matters, but their internal goal is to limit financial exposure. In practice, this frequently involves:
- Questioning whether injuries are related to the crash
- Suggesting treatment was excessive or unnecessary
- Assigning partial fault to reduce payout under Georgia’s comparative fault rules
- Pushing early settlement discussions before long-term impact is known
- Using recorded statements or documentation gaps to dispute credibility
These tactics are not unusual. They are part of standard claims handling. Effective representation focuses on addressing these issues early through documentation, consistency, and evidence-based claim development.
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How Much Do Injury Lawyers Typically Charge for Car Accident Cases?
Most car accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means the client does not pay attorney’s fees upfront. The fee is typically a percentage of the recovery and is paid only if compensation is obtained through settlement or verdict. A consultation can also clarify how case expenses are handled and what the fee agreement covers.
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What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, recovery may still be possible through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, depending on the policy and facts of the crash.
These claims can involve their own documentation requirements and disputes. An attorney can review coverage, identify applicable policies, and pursue compensation through the available avenues.
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What Should I Do if the Accident Was a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run crash may still support a compensation claim, including through UM coverage in many situations. These cases often depend on prompt reporting, available evidence, and policy requirements. Counsel can evaluate coverage, preserve proof, and pursue the claim even when the driver is not identified.
If you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t navigate the process alone. Van Sant Law has offices throughout Georgia and a proven track record of multimillion-dollar recoveries for car accident victims.
Call or contact us online for a free consultation today. We handle your claim aggressively, protect your rights, and prepare for the full scope of damages you deserve. Se Habla Español.
