When a pedestrian is struck by an uninsured driver in Atlanta, understanding uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes crucial for securing compensation for injuries and damages. This coverage acts as a vital safety net, stepping in when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance or flees the scene. Georgia law allows pedestrians to access their own UM coverage even when they weren't in their vehicle at the time of the accident. Additionally, resident relatives' policies may provide coverage through household extension provisions. Key considerations include stacking multiple UM policies, understanding how UM coverage interacts with health insurance benefits, and navigating the claims process with your own insurance carrier who essentially steps into the role of the at-fault party's insurer.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence system, allowing pedestrians to recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. The minimum UM coverage requirement in Georgia is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Pedestrian accident victims must file their personal injury claim within two years of the accident date under Georgia's statute of limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Georgia law also permits "stacking" of UM policies, allowing victims to combine multiple policies to increase their total coverage. However, insurance companies must be promptly notified of the accident to preserve UM coverage rights. 

Uninsured motorist coverage can be a factor in all kinds of injury accident claims. Click the links below to get information from an experienced attorney for accidents and injuries including:

• Atlanta car collision attorney;
• Atlanta motorcycle crash lawyer;
• Atlanta semi truck accident lawyer;
• Atlanta brain injury lawyer;
• Atlanta spinal cord injury attorney;
• Atlanta wrongful death lawyer.

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• State Court of Fulton County
• Superior Court of Fulton County
• Municipal Court of Atlanta

Support Services:

• Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Commission
• Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program
• Shepherd Center (specialized rehabilitation services)
• Atlanta Legal Aid Society

Official References:

• Georgia Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
• Georgia Department of Driver Services Pedestrian Safety Guide

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