After a serious car accident, many injured drivers are told there is limited insurance available. Hearing that the at fault driver only carries minimal coverage can feel discouraging, especially when medical bills and lost wages begin to add up.
However, Georgia law may allow you to access significantly more compensation through underinsured motorist coverage. Many accident victims do not realize they may have additional insurance available beyond what appears on the declarations page.
Understanding how underinsured motorist coverage works in Georgia can help ensure you do not leave compensation on the table.
Recent Georgia Court Decision Shows Additional Coverage May Be Available
A recent decision from the Georgia Court of Appeals, Sullivan v. Trustgard Ins. Co., highlights how important it is to review insurance policies carefully. In that case, an injured driver was told his underinsured motorist coverage was limited to $100,000. After further review, the following facts were discovered:
- The policy included $1 million in liability coverage
- The insurance company could not prove the driver selected lower underinsured motorist limits
- Required selection documentation was incomplete or missing
The court ultimately ruled that the injured driver was entitled to one million dollars in underinsured motorist coverage. This decision demonstrates that the amount listed on the declarations page is not always the final answer.
Georgia Law on Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Georgia law generally requires insurance companies to provide underinsured motorist coverage equal to liability limits unless the policyholder clearly chooses lower limits in writing. If the insurance company cannot show proper documentation, higher coverage may apply.
This means that many Georgia drivers unknowingly carry more coverage than they realize. After a serious accident, reviewing all available policies is essential to determining the full amount of compensation available.
Common Situations Where Additional Underinsured Motorist Coverage May Apply in Georgia
Additional coverage may be available in several common scenarios:
- The at fault driver carries minimum insurance limits
- Multiple vehicles are insured under the same household policy
- Separate policies exist within the same family
- Commercial vehicle or trucking accidents involve layered coverage
- Umbrella policies provide additional protection
- Documentation for reduced coverage is incomplete
These situations occur frequently in serious injury cases throughout Georgia. A thorough review of all policies can uncover coverage that was not initially identified.
Why Insurance Companies May Understate Available Coverage
Insurance companies sometimes rely on simplified policy summaries rather than reviewing whether coverage selections were properly executed. In some cases, applications are prefilled, coverage options are not clearly explained, or documentation is incomplete.
As a result, accident victims may be told that only a limited amount of coverage exists. Without a detailed review, additional compensation opportunities may be missed.
What This Means for Georgia Car Accident Victims
If you were injured in a Georgia car accident, you should not assume:
- The declarations page reflects all available coverage
- The insurance company interpretation is correct
- You have already identified all possible compensation sources
At Studstill Firm, LLP, evaluating insurance coverage is an important part of handling serious injury cases. The firm regularly reviews policies to determine whether additional underinsured motorist coverage may be available for clients throughout Georgia.
Contact Studstill Firm LLP for a Free Insurance Policy Review
Underinsured motorist coverage can play a critical role when the at fault driver does not carry enough insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries. A careful review of your policies may reveal additional coverage that can significantly impact your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or trucking accident in Georgia, contact Studstill Firm, LLP for a free consultation. The firm can review your insurance policies, explain your options, and help determine whether additional compensation may be available. You can also call (229) 515-8900 to speak directly with the team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Georgia
What is underinsured motorist coverage in Georgia?
Underinsured motorist coverage provides compensation when the at-fault driver does not carry enough insurance to cover your damages.
Do Georgia drivers automatically have underinsured motorist coverage?
Most Georgia policies include underinsured motorist coverage unless the policyholder specifically rejects or reduces it in writing.
Can underinsured motorist coverage be higher than the declarations page?
Yes. If proper documentation is not completed, coverage may match the liability limits of the policy.
Should I rely on the insurance company to determine available coverage?
A detailed review of the full policy is recommended, as additional coverage may exist beyond what is initially disclosed.