Any car accident is stressful, but if you were injured in an Atlanta hit-and-run accident, your stress may be magnified as you are forced to fight for insurance compensation for an accident that you didn't cause.
Getting compensation after an Atlanta hit-and-run accident can be complicated. If you only have the basic Georgia insurance coverage, your own insurance company may not be willing to pay for your medical expenses. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your chances of getting fair compensation for your Georgia accident injuries improve.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
The purpose of uninsured motorist coverage is to provide you with coverage in the event that you are injured in an Atlanta traffic accident caused by a driver with no insurance, or a hit-and-run driver who leaves the scene of the accident. After an Atlanta hit-and-run car crash, your uninsured motorist coverage will cover your medical bills and property damage up to your policy's coverage limit. You can learn more about this type of coverage in Atlanta car crash lawyer Shane Smith's article, "Why Should I Buy Uninsured Motorist Insurance?"
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage will also cover your injuries in the event of an Atlanta hit-and-run; however, the main purpose of underinsured motorist coverage is to provide extra benefits should your injuries and property damage exceed the limits of the at-fault driver's coverage.
"But what if I don't have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage?"
If you don't have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may file a claim under your collision coverage. However, filing a claim under your own collision coverage will result in you being considered the party at fault for the Atlanta car crash. This could leave you paying higher insurance rates.
"Great - I don't have coverage and I can't afford for my insurance rates to go up. What can I do?"
If you are having trouble getting insurance compensation for an accident that you didn't cause, it may be worth your time to speak to an Atlanta auto injury attorney. Shane Smith Law offer free consultations to Georgia accident victims. Your Atlanta auto injury attorney is an expert in insurance compensation and will be able to explain your options and help you decide on the best course of action for you.