Many wonder, does insurance cover DUI accidents in Georgia? While most car insurance policies include liability insurance, insurance companies may attempt to deny insurance claims for drunk driving accidents. Whether car insurance pays depends on the insurance policy agreement and circumstances surrounding the car accident, but motor vehicle accident victims can often win compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
Our Atlanta and Sandy Springs drunk driving accident lawyers help victims navigate complex insurance issues after drunk driving accidents.
Does Car Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents in Georgia?
How Liability Insurance Applies to a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia
Yes, Georgia is an at-fault state and in a drunk driving accident, the drunk driver’s insurance company is generally responsible for covering damages. Their liability coverage under a drunk driver’s insurance policy may cover medical bills, property damage, and other expenses, but insurance companies often try to limit payouts.
Whether car insurance pays depends on policy limits, and insurers may attempt to dispute or deny insurance claims rather than accept liability for the DUI accident.
How Comprehensive Coverage Applies to a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia
Comprehensive coverage typically does not cover drunk driving accidents in Georgia since it applies to non-collision incidents like theft or natural disasters. However, depending on the insurance coverage, the other driver with comprehensive coverage may still be able to file a claim for vehicle damage for cars totaled in DUI accidents.
Many insurance companies deny comprehensive coverage for the drunk driver, forcing them to pay out of their own pocket for damages relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Medpay and PIP Coverage in Georgia
MedPay for car accidents in Georgia and PIP insurance in Georgia can help cover medical expenses after a drunk driving accident, regardless of who was at fault. Unlike liability insurance, these insurance coverages apply directly to the policyholder’s expenses, including lost income and other damages relating to the car accident.
However, Georgia does not require PIP coverage, and insurance companies may still limit payouts based on policy agreements. If insurance coverage is denied, an experienced car accident attorney in Sandy Springs, GA, can help win compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Will Car Insurance Pay For a Car Totaled in a DUI Accident in Georgia?
Whether car insurance pays for a car totaled in a drunk driving accident in Georgia depends on the type of insurance coverage the drunk driver has. Comprehensive or collision insurance coverage may help cover property damage, but most insurers will deny a claim if the at-fault driver has a DUI conviction due to intentional misconduct.
Additionally, the drunk driver’s insurance company may not accept fault for the DUI accident, leaving victims to seek compensation through a personal injury case. Consulting an experienced Sandy Springs auto accident lawyer can help navigate legal problems and obtain compensation for damages.
Diminished Value Claims
Calculating diminished value claims in Georgia after a DUI accident can be challenging, as many if not most insurers may attempt to deny or reduce payouts. If a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver results in property damage, the insurer may still be responsible for covering the diminished value if the insurance policy allows it.
However, many insurance companies argue that driving under the influence constitutes intentional conduct, which could lead to claim denials. Seeking legal assistance is essential in these claims.
When Insurance Companies May Deny Coverage For Drunk Driving Accidents
Intentional Conduct Exclusions
Car insurance companies often include intentional conduct exclusions in their insurance coverage, meaning they may deny claims for a DUI accident if the drunk driver is deemed to have engaged in intentional misconduct, arguing that driving under the influence is an intentional act and extremely dangerous.
If a provider applies an intentional conduct charge, it may limit or void insurance coverage, leaving the drunk driver personally responsible for damages. The impact of these exclusions can vary depending on the drunk driver’s insurance policy terms, but they can negatively impact claims for other drivers involved in the drunk driving accident.
When determining whether or not to cover drunk driving accidents in Georgia, insurers consider multiple factors, including whether the driver exercised reasonable caution, the severity of the car accident, and any criminal charges filed.
Policy Limits and Exclusions
Most insurers have policy agreements that outline coverage limits and exclusions for DUI accidents. While a drunk driver’s insurance policy may provide some coverage, it might not fully cover drunk driving accidents if the damages exceed the policy limits or if exclusions apply. Understanding these limitations is essential when pursuing compensation after a DUI accident in Georgia.
What Happens If You’re Hit By an Uninsured Drunk Driver in Georgia?
If the drunk driver’s insurance policy is nonexistent or results in denied coverage, victims may need to seek compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage or pursue legal action against the other driver. Without insurance coverage, the at-fault party may be personally responsible for damages, forcing victims to pay out of their own pocket for medical expenses and vehicle repairs.
Navigating the legal process can be complex, but a Sandy Springs uninsured motorist lawyer can provide legal assistance to help car accident victims secure the maximum compensation available. Since Georgia is not a no-fault state, proving fault is essential. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
What To Do If Your Insurance Provider Refuses to Pay For a DUI Accident in Georgia
If car insurers refuse to cover damages from a DUI accident, they may classify drunk drivers as a bad risk and deny liability coverage based on policy exclusions. However, this denial is not always justified, and victims may have legal options.
An experienced attorney can review the insurance policy and challenge the decision if auto insurers wrongfully refuse payment. Legal action may be necessary to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and vehicle repairs.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver, victims can file a claim with the car insurance company to seek compensation for personal injuries and financial losses. A DUI accident may result in significant damages, including lost wages, other expenses, and vehicle repairs or replacement.
To recover compensation, victims should gather evidence, obtain medical records, and document their losses. Seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney can help navigate the claims process and maximize the settlement.
Dram Shop Claim For a DUI Accident in Georgia
A Dram Shop claim allows drunk driving accident victims to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments liable for serving alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who later drives under the influence. If a business over-serves a drunk driver, it may share responsibility for the DUi accident under Georgia’s Dram Shop laws.
A Sandy Springs Dram Shop lawyer can help gather evidence and pursue a settlement for drunk driving accident victims. Call today for a free consultation.
The Cost of Car Insurance For Those Convicted of Drunk Driving in Georgia
A DUI conviction in Georgia can significantly impact car insurance costs. Many insurance providers view convicted drivers as high-risk, leading them to raise premiums or even cancel coverage altogether. Those with a DUI conviction may struggle to find affordable rates and often need to seek coverage from a new insurer, which may still come with substantially higher costs.
How Atlanta and Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
A personal injury lawyer in Sandy Springs GA, can assist victims of DUI accident claims by guiding them through the legal process to recover fair compensation. We handle insurance claims, challenge denied coverage, and address bad faith practices by auto insurers that refuse to cover drunk driving accidents.
Since Georgia isn’t a no-fault state but instead follows the fault concept, we work to prove fault, navigate policy limits, and pursue a personal injury lawsuit if necessary. If you’ve been affected by another driver driving under the influence, seek legal help and schedule a free consultation to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Call 770-394-8909 to speak with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Atlanta or Sandy Springs, Georgia.