Protect yourself from uninsured drivers.
When it comes to buying auto insurance, there are several different types of coverage that make up your policy. Some are legally required and some aren’t, and it can be confusing to understand which kinds of car insurance you really need and which you can do without.
Uninsured motorist insurance, also called uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage and often shortened to UM/UIM, is required in some states and is optional in others, but it should be a serious coverage consideration for everyone buying car insurance.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage generally only adds a few dollars to your monthly premiums, but the amount of coverage it gives you can be life-changing in the result of a tragic accident.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorist. Underinsured motorist coverage, which is sometimes combined or offered separately, protects you when you’re in an accident with a motorist whose insurance limits aren’t high enough to pay for the extent of the damage he’s caused.
There are two categories of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage:
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI)
UMBI pays for pays for injuries to you or your passengers when an uninsured driver is deemed at-fault; it also pays if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run driver. This coverage includes medical expenses and lost wages; it may even pay for rehabilitation and funeral costs, if you or a passenger die in an accident.. In addition, UMBI offers coverage if you’re hit by an uninsured driver while riding a bike or walking.
Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)
UMPD pays for damages when your car or other property is hit by an uninsured driver.
Not all states and insurance companies offer both types coverages. UMBI is the more important of the two, and is often referred to simply as “uninsured motorist insurance.”
Who needs uninsured motorist coverage?
Even if uninsured motorist insurance is not required in your state, you may decide you want uninsured motorist coverage to reduce your own risk. (Most experts recommend it.)
About 13% of drivers in the United States are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and in some states, that number creeps up to 20% (Tennessee and Michigan), 21% (New Mexico), 24% (Mississippi), and 28% (Florida).
If you get hit by one of these drivers and sustain injuries or damage to your vehicle, you could be the one who has to pay the price — even if the collision wasn’t your fault. (That’s not to mention the drivers who are underinsured and may not have enough coverage to pay for extensive damages or injuries.)
Why Melman Law Group?
We are experienced attorneys dedicated to using our legal services to fight for victims of accidents. We provide high-quality legal representation to every one of our clients. Every client is treated with personal attention and compassion. We help our clients receive proper compensation.
Many people do not understand the thousands of dollars they leave on the table by not fighting their case properly. We help our clients receive proper compensation for their pain and suffering as well as get the medical treatment they deserve. Our services are on a contingency basis, therefore we do not receive payment unless we win your case.
If you choose to work with our team, we will fight to make sure that the person or entity responsible for your injuries is held accountable. In Georgia, the law allows you only a limited amount of time to file your personal injury claim - meaning it is extremely important to hire an attorney as soon as possible after an accident has occurred.
If you need a reliable personal injury attorney, contact us right away. We are available 24/7, including holidays, for your free consultation. Call or Text 770-365-7556.
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