Car Insurance Day is observed annually on February 1 in the United States. But we’re not just celebrating clips of insurance mascots like emus or cavemen. Pritchard Injury Firm encourages everyone to use #CarInsuranceDay to be safe, review your car insurance status and explore additional coverage options. It could help protect your legal rights, health, and finances.
Mandatory Liability Insurance for Bodily Injury and Property Damage
The State of Georgia requires you to have liability insurance if you plan to operate any vehicle on its roads. The policy must meet the minimum limits required by law to drive on public roads and highways, but you can always purchase more if you choose or if needed for your job.
The minimum limits of liability insurance required under Georgia law include:
- Bodily Injury Liability – $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident
- Property Damage Liability – $25,000 per incident
Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians could sustain various types of bodily injuries in an auto collision, which can cause lifelong consequences.
- Head and neck injuries are common impact injuries and could result in brain trauma and concussions.
- Back injuries, including paralysis, slipped, ruptured, and herniated discs can cause irreparable nerve damage.
- Burns, bruising and internal injuries, and bleeding can be caused by impact or by penetrating injuries, which occur when loose objects (like broken glass) strike the passenger.
Sufficient insurance will help cover the medical costs of these and other bodily and mental injuries in the event of an accident.
Furthermore, liability insurance helps pay damages to others on your behalf if they are injured or their property is damaged in an accident or incident where you’re ruled at fault. There are other circumstances where liability coverage can help protect you, such as another person alleging you are at fault and making a claim against you.
Physical Damage Insurance
Physical damage insurance helps pay for loss or damage to your own vehicle. There are two types of physical damage insurance:
- Comprehensive is a form of physical insurance, also called “other than collision coverage.” It covers theft, vandalism, and fire-related losses.
- Collision insurance covers losses associated with vehicle collisions.
Unlike liability insurance, Georgia state law does not require you to purchase physical damage coverage. However, if you financed or leased your vehicle, the lender or leasing company usually requires it.
As a policyholder, you may file a claim under your own Physical Damage coverage even if someone else may have caused the accident.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
An uninsured driver operates a vehicle without insurance. An underinsured driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries and/or damages. You can safely assume there are several uninsured or underinsured drivers on Georgia’s roads, which unfortunately puts everyone at further physical and legal risk.
That is why it is in your best interest to purchase uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). UM and UIM is typically inexpensive and many professionals – from truck drivers to public safety officers – have an increased likelihood of using them due to the nature of their jobs.
By insuring against the chance of encountering one of these drivers, your lawyer can also help you recover from your own UIM/UM policy.
Be safe on #CarInsuranceDay.
Contact Pritchard Injury Firm Following an Accident
As previously discussed, insurance companies will be quick to settle a claim following an accident to avoid trial and further liability. But don’t take the bait. If you have suffered bodily or physical injury, have your injury lawyer review your own personal insurance policy to determine if you can file a personal insurance claim against another person or driver. You need to support your claim and gather all evidence, pictures, and documentation about the incident.
With a lawyer on your side, you level the playing field and have someone fighting solely for what you deserve, which is complete and fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another, don't just settle. At Pritchard Injury Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to fight for the results you deserve. Contact us online or give us a call today at (470) 577-8152.
