Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Atlanta Uninsured Motorist Lawyer – Georgia UM/UIM Claims Attorney
If you’ve been hit by a driver with no insurance—or not nearly enough to cover your injuries—you may feel like you’re out of options. But if you carry Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage, you do have a path forward. Our Atlanta uninsured motorist lawyer helps injured victims tap into their own auto policies to recover compensation when the at-fault driver can't pay.
At Ugwonali Law Group, we’ve handled countless
UM/UIM claims in Georgia and understand how to navigate the fine print, notice deadlines, and insurer roadblocks that often stand in your way.
Uninsured Drivers Are Everywhere in Georgia
Even though car insurance is legally required, thousands of Georgia drivers are on the road without it—or with the bare minimum coverage that won't come close to paying for a serious injury. Some estimates suggest up to 12% of Georgia drivers are uninsured, and many more carry just the $25,000 liability minimum.
This creates a dangerous gap for anyone hit in a crash—and highlights why
UM/UIM coverage is so important to understand.
What Does UM/UIM Insurance Actually Cover?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are optional parts of your auto policy that can make or break your recovery in certain accidents:
- UM coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has
no insurance, or if it’s a
hit-and-run and the driver can’t be identified.
- UIM coverage helps when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but
not enough to fully cover your medical bills, lost income, or long-term damages.
Georgia allows two types of UM coverage:
- “Added-on” (preferred) which stacks on top of the at-fault driver’s limits.
- “Reduced-by” which deducts the other driver’s coverage from your total.
We help clients figure out exactly what they have—and how to make it work for them.
How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Georgia
If you’ve been injured in a crash and the other driver lacks sufficient insurance, here’s what to do:
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible—especially in a
hit-and-run. Some policies require immediate notice to qualify.
- Do not assume your insurer will simply pay. Once you file a UM/UIM claim, your insurance company becomes like any other insurer: trying to limit what they pay out.
- Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement. Your own insurer may use your words to dispute the severity of your injuries or deny coverage altogether.
Our
UM claim attorney in Atlanta can take over communication, gather proof that the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, and ensure every required notice and form is properly filed.
Common Roadblocks in UM/UIM Claims
Uninsured motorist claims are rarely straightforward. You might face issues like:
- Proving the other driver was truly uninsured (your insurer may require documentation or an affidavit)
- Short notice deadlines, especially in hit-and-run crashes
- Disputes over the value of your injuries or your treatment plan
- “Miss-and-run” exclusions—some policies only cover a hit-and-run if there was physical contact (not just a forced-off-the-road crash)
We know what to expect—and how to push back.
We Make Your UM/UIM Coverage Work for You
Our job is to help you get the maximum possible compensation, even when you’re dealing with your own insurance. We do that by:
Reviewing all your auto policies (you may be covered under multiple vehicles)
Stacking applicable policies if available
Negotiating with your adjuster and, if needed, taking the claim to arbitration or court
Ensuring your UM/UIM rights aren’t waived by signing the wrong release during a partial settlement
Imagine being hit by an uninsured driver while heading home through East Atlanta—somewhere near Moreland Avenue. Your medical bills are piling up, the other driver vanished without valid insurance, and you assume you’re stuck. But what many people don’t realize is that their own auto policy may hold the key. With Uninsured Motorist coverage, you could recover tens of thousands of dollars—even if the other driver can’t pay a dime. The first step is knowing it exists. The next is making sure it’s used to its fullest.
Don’t Accidentally Waive Your Right to a UM/UIM Claim
One of the biggest mistakes people make is signing a release after getting a small settlement from the at-fault driver’s policy—without preserving their right to pursue UIM. Georgia law allows you to recover from your UIM coverage after collecting the liability limit, but only if handled correctly.
Before accepting any settlement or signing anything, speak with a lawyer.
Do You Have Enough UM Coverage?
This isn’t just about your current case. We always encourage drivers to carry as much UM/UIM as they can afford. With so many underinsured drivers on Atlanta roads, having extra coverage could make a life-changing difference after a crash.
We Help Pedestrians, Cyclists & Rideshare Victims Too
Were you
walking or
biking when you were hit by an uninsured driver? You may still be able to file a UM claim through your own auto policy, or through a household member’s policy. Even
Uber or Lyft passengers can access
rideshare UM coverage in hit-and-run scenarios. Learn more about
pedestrian accidents or rideshare claims here.
Don’t Let Your Own Insurance Company Shortchange You
Just because you’re filing a claim with your insurer doesn’t mean they’re on your side. Our Atlanta UM/UIM lawyer has the experience to hold insurers accountable—and to make sure your policy pays you what it should.
Call now for a free consultation. We’ll deal with the insurance company while you focus on healing.