In past years, I’ve written numerous articles discussing Alabama’s problem with uninsured drivers. Historically, Alabama had one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the United States. It’s a terrible problem for people innocently injured in a car accident.
In my prior articles, I advocated for instant verification to enforce mandatory liability insurance laws. I argued the need to implement a verification system for use by law enforcement at traffic stops. For years, I had counseled too many clients who suffered a severe personal injury caused by an uninsured driver. While Alabama legally required liability insurance, enforcement was a huge problem. Drivers could largely evade responsibility by presenting an old insurance card to the police which could not be verified. What good is a law if offenders can evade its requirements? What good is a law without proper enforcement?
I also counseled clients to use the uninsured coverage offered in their own policies. Certainly, you want the at-fault driver (and his insurance company) to pay your damages. I get it. But, too often the at-fault driver has no coverage or too little coverage. So, uninsured coverage becomes extremely important. You need to purchase an amount large enough to pay for potential car accident injuries and damages.
Alabama did eventually enact an instant verification system. And, it provides the much needed ability to enforce our insurance laws. This week Governor Bentley announced a continued (and steep) decline in the number of uninsured drivers on Alabama highways. That’s good news for all of us. An injury from an automobile accident can devastate an entire family.
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From its office in Huntsville, the Blackwell Law Firm helps people across Alabama following a serious personal injury. We help Alabama car accident victims recover damages for their injuries including, medical bills, lost wages, pain, disability and suffering. If you have questions about a personal injury, such as a car or commercial truck accident, let us know. We are happy to answer your questions.