If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to pursue compensation through your own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are designed to protect you when the at‑fault driver cannot fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. The Cornwell Firm helps injured people in Savannah, Georgia understand their UM/UIM coverage and pursue claims to recover the compensation they deserve.
Why Choose The Cornwell Firm for Your UM/UIM Claim
The Cornwell Firm has served Savannah since 2003 as a locally owned and family‑operated law firm with over 20 years of experience handling motor vehicle accident cases. The attorneys understand the complexities of UM/UIM claims and how insurance companies handle these cases. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees upfront and legal fees are collected only if compensation is obtained for you.
The Cornwell Firm offers free case evaluations so you can learn about your legal options without financial pressure. The firm is available for consultations outside regular business hours because accidents do not always occur during daytime. Bilingual support in Spanish is available. Rather than making promises about specific outcomes, The Cornwell Firm focuses on building strong cases and providing attentive service to injured clients.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you are injured by a driver who has no liability insurance. In Georgia, many drivers operate vehicles without insurance, either because they cannot afford it or because they choose not to purchase it. If an uninsured driver causes an accident that injures you, you would normally have difficulty recovering compensation because the driver has no insurance to pay your claim.
UM coverage fills this gap. When you have UM coverage and are injured by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurance company then acts in place of the at‑fault driver’s insurance and compensates you for your injuries and losses, up to the limits of your UM coverage.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when the at‑fault driver has liability insurance, but the coverage limits are too low to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. For example, if you suffer $100,000 in damages but the at‑fault driver’s liability coverage is only $25,000, you have a $75,000 gap. UIM coverage can help bridge that gap.
When you have UIM coverage and the at‑fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, you can file a claim with your own insurance company for the difference between the at‑fault driver’s liability limits and your actual damages. Your insurance company then compensates you for the additional amount, up to the limits of your UIM coverage.
Georgia’s UM/UIM Requirements
Georgia law requires all auto insurance policies to include UM/UIM coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing. This means most drivers in Georgia have some level of UM/UIM protection, even if they are not aware of it. The minimum UM/UIM limits in Georgia are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, which match the minimum liability insurance requirements.
However, many people purchase higher UM/UIM limits to ensure they have adequate protection. If you have questions about your UM/UIM coverage, you can review your insurance policy or contact your insurance agent. The Cornwell Firm can also help you understand your coverage and determine whether you have a valid UM/UIM claim.
When You Can File a UM/UIM Claim
You can file a UM/UIM claim in several situations. If you are injured by a hit‑and‑run driver and cannot identify the at‑fault driver, you may file a UM claim. If you are injured by an uninsured driver, you can file a UM claim. And, if you are injured by a driver with insufficient liability insurance, you can file a UIM claim. If you are injured by a driver whose insurance company denies the claim or disputes liability, you may still file a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance company.
How The Cornwell Firm Handles Your UM/UIM Claim
The Cornwell Firm begins with a free case evaluation, listening to your account of the accident and assessing the potential strength of your claim. The firm’s investigation may include gathering evidence from the accident scene, obtaining police reports, reviewing medical records, and collecting witness statements. The attorneys work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
The firm handles communication with your insurance company on your behalf. Attorneys present your claim and supporting evidence, negotiating for a settlement that fairly reflects your injuries and losses. Insurance companies sometimes dispute UM/UIM claims or offer less than what your attorney believes is fair. If settlement negotiations do not result in a reasonable offer, The Cornwell Firm can file a lawsuit against your own insurance company to pursue your claim in court.
Throughout the process, the firm keeps you informed and answers your questions so you understand each step in your case. The firm’s experience with UM/UIM claims means you benefit from knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate these claims and what evidence strengthens your position.
Damages Available in UM/UIM Claims
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages for time away from work during recovery are recoverable, as is reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your prior job. You may also pursue compensation for pain and suffering—the physical pain and emotional distress associated with the accident and injuries.
The amount of compensation available in a UM/UIM claim is limited by the coverage limits in your insurance policy. For example, if your UIM coverage limit is $50,000 and your damages total $100,000, your UIM claim can recover up to $50,000. However, if the at‑fault driver’s liability insurance paid $25,000, your UIM recovery would be limited to $25,000 (the difference between your damages and what you already received).
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for UM/UIM Claims
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a UM/UIM claim. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and witness testimony while memories are fresh. The Cornwell Firm can help ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe and that your legal rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between UM and UIM coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the at‑fault driver has no liability insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at‑fault driver has liability insurance, but the coverage limits are too low to fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. Both types of coverage protect you by allowing you to file a claim with your own insurance company.
Do I have UM/UIM coverage?
Georgia law requires all auto insurance policies to include UM/UIM coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing. Most drivers in Georgia have UM/UIM coverage. You can review your insurance policy or contact your insurance agent to confirm your coverage limits.
Can I file a UM/UIM claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Under Georgia law, you can file a UM/UIM claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. The Cornwell Firm will investigate the accident to evaluate fault and work to limit any percentage attributed to you.
What if the at‑fault driver’s insurance company denies my claim?
If the at‑fault driver’s insurance company denies your claim or disputes liability, you can still file a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance company. Your insurance company will investigate the claim and determine whether you are entitled to compensation under your UM/UIM coverage.
How much does it cost to hire The Cornwell Firm?
The Cornwell Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained in your case. There are no upfront attorney’s fees, and fee arrangements are discussed with you before representation begins.
How long does a UM/UIM claim take?
The timeline varies based on factors such as injury severity, the complexity of liability issues, and whether the matter settles or goes to litigation. Some claims resolve within several months, while others may take one to two years or longer if your insurance company disputes the claim and litigation is required. The Cornwell Firm will provide a more specific estimate after reviewing the facts of your case.
What should I do immediately after an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel relatively well—some injuries appear later. Call police to report the accident and obtain a report number. Collect contact information for witnesses and, if possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. As soon as you are able, contact The Cornwell Firm for a free consultation.
Contact The Cornwell Firm for Your Free UM/UIM Claim Consultation
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Savannah, you do not have to handle the claims process alone. Call 912-349-7028 today for a free case evaluation. The Cornwell Firm is available for consultations when you need help most and serves clients in Savannah and surrounding Georgia communities. There is no obligation and no upfront attorney’s fees—the firm only collects legal fees if compensation is obtained for you. Bilingual support is available in Spanish. The Cornwell Firm can review your case, explain your options, and work to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
