Getting into a car accident is already a stressful experience. But when the driver who caused it doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses, it adds another layer of frustration and uncertainty. If you’re in this situation, our underinsured motorist accident lawyers in Kennesaw will help you.
At Jones & Swanson, we’ve been standing by our neighbors in Georgia for years, offering support after serious accidents. With over $50 million recovered for our clients, our Kennesaw car accident lawyers will manage your case with confidence and care.
Unlike big-box firms that rush to settle cases, we take the time to understand your needs and handle the details so you can focus on healing while professionals handle your case. Call us today for a free consultation.
What are Underinsured Motorist Accidents?
Underinsured motorist accidents occur when a driver’s insurance policy limits are not high enough to cover the full costs of damages or injuries from a collision. In these cases, your insurance policy’s underinsured motorist coverage could help fill the gap.
Understanding how this coverage works is important. Knowing what to expect will help you handle the financial challenges that often follow an accident.
Examples of Underinsured Motorist Accidents
Underinsured motorist accidents occur in many different scenarios, often leaving victims facing financial burdens that surpass the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
Our Kennesaw personal injury lawyers will give you straightforward advice about your situation and tell you how we will help you. Below are examples of underinsured motorist accidents:
- Low–coverage policy in a severe accident: A driver with basic liability insurance causes a major collision, leaving you with medical bills and vehicle repair costs that exceed their policy limits.
- Multi–vehicle accident: In a multi-car pileup, the at-fault driver’s insurance is split among multiple injured parties, leaving you with insufficient coverage for your damages.
- Hit by a commercial vehicle: A small business delivery driver with limited insurance collides with your car, and their coverage doesn’t fully cover your injuries or property damage.
- Inadequate coverage for long–term injuries: A driver with basic insurance hits you, and the policy does not cover ongoing expenses like physical therapy or lost income from an extended recovery.
- Severe property damage: A crash seriously damages your vehicle, but the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t come close to covering repair or replacement costs.
Our Kennesaw Lawyers for Underinsured Motorist Accidents will Help You
An at-fault driver’s insufficient insurance coverage can create extra hurdles as you try to recover your accident-related expenses. These cases often involve various challenges, including:
- Navigating your insurance policy on your own
- Proving the extent of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters for the best financial outcome
- Understanding the fine print of coverage limits
- Disputes over fault or liability
Having Jones & Swanson lead your case could make all the difference. Here’s how we help drivers in an underinsured accident situation:
We will Explain Your Insurance Policy
Understanding your underinsured motorist coverage is essential. We’ll review your policy, explain your rights, and help you identify what coverage is available to address your damages.
We will Handle All Insurance Negotiations
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when you should receive more money that covers your accident-related expenses. We’ll take over communications with your insurer and represent you fairly. We know all the tactics insurers could use to lower your payment.
We will Build Your Case to Show Who’s Responsible
Underinsured motorist claims often involve detailed processes and specific insurance requirements, which make them challenging to handle. These cases require strong evidence, such as accident reports and medical records.
They also require a clear understanding of how insurance policies apply. We’ll handle the collection and organization of all necessary documentation to support your claim. If your case involves other liable parties, such as vehicle makers, we will pursue damages from each one.
We will Work to Maximize Your Financial Award
Without proper guidance, you risk leaving money on the table for your medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. We’ll work to pursue the best possible outcome for your situation.
Count on Us to Protect You from Legal Pitfalls
Insurance policies and claims processes are filled with technicalities that can lead to mistakes. We’ll guide you through every step to avoid delays or denials. When the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance, the stakes are high.
Without proper help, you could end up shouldering significant costs out of pocket.
At Jones & Swanson, we’re here to provide the support and advocacy you deserve to move forward with confidence. Talk with us about your accident during a free consultation.
Types of Injuries in Underinsured Motorist Accidents
The injuries resulting from underinsured motorist accidents range from minor to life-altering. Some common injuries include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or bleeding
- Emotional distress or trauma
Getting prompt medical care after an accident is important, even if your injuries don’t seem severe at first.
Common Recoverable Damages from Underinsured Accidents
After an underinsured motorist accident, the damages you get should address your financial and personal losses, such as:
- Medical expenses: You should recover costs for all healthcare, including an emergency room visit and any ongoing treatments you require for your injuries.
- Future medical needs: This includes anticipated expenses such as long-term therapy, adaptive medical devices, or home modifications due to your injuries.
- Lost wages: This includes paying for the income you lost while away from work and reducing earning capacity if you cannot work at the same level in the future.
- Pain and suffering: These damages cover the physical pain and emotional distress you suffered from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You could receive financial awards for how your injuries have affected your ability to participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
- Property damage: You could recover the cost of repairing your vehicle or replacing it if it is deemed a total loss after the accident.
We will review all your losses and determine the damages we will demand on your behalf. If you have severe injuries, our Kennesaw catastrophic injury lawyers will manage the challenges of your situation and seek the appropriate award.
Filing Deadlines for a Lawsuit in Underinsured Accidents in GA
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those involving underinsured motorist accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident under Ga. Code § 9-3-33.
You must file your lawsuit within this time frame, or you risk losing your ability to pursue damages in court. Our underinsured motorist claims attorneys in Kennesaw urge you to contact us now. We will file your case on time.
What to Do After a Crash Involving an Underinsured Driver
You’re likely feeling stress and other unsettling emotions after a car accident involving an underinsured driver, but you can take steps right now to help your case, such as:
- Move to a safe location if possible: Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if emergency medical assistance is needed. Your safety comes first.
- Seek medical help: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately.
- Contact law enforcement: File a police report to document the accident. This report is important for your claim, especially when dealing with underinsured motorist coverage.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and other relevant details. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver.
- Review your insurance policy: Read your underinsured motorist policy to understand the protections available.
- Tell your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurer, but avoid making detailed statements about fault until you fully understand your coverage. We will handle this step for you.
- Get legal help: Our Kennesaw attorneys for underinsured motorist cases are ready to advise you. We will work to resolve the financial challenges of the accident.
Call for Help from Our Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
It is frustrating to deal with a crash caused by an underinsured driver, but Jones & Swanson’s legal team is ready to handle every step of the process while you focus on feeling better.
Our Kennesaw underinsured motorist accident lawyers care about your recovery and offer a personal and compassionate approach that puts you first. Let us get to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
