Liability motor vehicle insurance is part of what makes driving accessible for an average adult. The destruction that a vehicle can cause in a matter of moments could far exceed someone’s annual income or personal assets. The possibility of being responsible for medical bills and property damage costs would likely deter most people from driving if insurance was not an option.
Most drivers in Georgia comply with state laws that require insurance coverage. While they may decide to invest in the lowest amount of coverage that keeps them legally compliant, they do purchase and maintain a liability policy. Unfortunately, there are some drivers who violate state law and seemingly do not care about the financial impact their choice could have on them or anyone else that they encounter in traffic. Uninsured motorists are a true concern for modern drivers. How likely is someone to experience a crash caused by an uninsured driver?
The chances are better than one in 10
It is hard to know exactly how many people do not comply with Georgia state insurance requirements. Some people intentionally cancel their policies after renewing their vehicle registration to save themselves money. Others may fall behind on payments and might not even know that their policy lapsed.
Insurance professionals look at the number of uninsured motorist claims to determine how many drivers don’t carry proper coverage. According to information gleaned through insurance policy claims in 2019, roughly 12.4% of Georgia drivers did not have insurance. While that is much lower than the rate of uninsured motorists in the worst states, like Mississippi where 29.4% of drivers don’t have coverage, it is still a concern.
What protects people from uninsured drivers?
Some motorists make the decision to invest in extra insurance to protect themselves from uninsured drivers. Uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most popular forms of supplemental coverage added to Georgia car insurance policies. Of course, that coverage doesn’t just cost someone money when they add it to their policy. If someone makes a large claim against their uninsured motorist coverage, their premium costs can increase significantly in the future.
The other option available to someone hurt in a crash caused by an irresponsible driver without coverage is to take them to civil court. Personal injury and wrongful death laws in Georgia allow people to file civil lawsuits when they have verifiable losses and evidence of negligence or wrongful conduct on the part of another party.
Identifying, and preparing for, common risks on the road may help people avoid scenarios in which they must absorb major financial losses due to the actions of others. When injurious scenarios can’t be avoided though, seeking legal guidance is always an option.