At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we understand the complex risks motorcyclists face on Georgia roads—especially when it comes to collisions involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. As a firm with over 50 years of combined legal experience and deep ties to the Augusta community, we’ve represented riders injured along routes like Wrightsboro Road, Deans Bridge Road, and Bobby Jones Expressway. Founding Partner Thomas R. Burnside III, recognized by Best Lawyers in America and the Georgia Super Lawyers list, brings extensive experience in personal injury litigation, while Garon Muller, a Leadership Augusta graduate and Top Ten in Ten honoree by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, has built a strong reputation for client advocacy and results. When motorcycle crashes happen, having uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can be the lifeline that protects your financial future—and we’re here to help riders understand why.
Understanding the Risks Motorcyclists Face in Augusta
Augusta, Georgia, is home to beautiful backroads, busy corridors, and a growing motorcycling community. However, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in accidents—both physically and financially. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, motorcycles represent just 2% of registered vehicles in the state but account for over 11% of traffic fatalities. In Richmond County alone, motorcycle crashes have steadily increased in recent years.
What makes these incidents even more dangerous? The growing number of uninsured and underinsured drivers on Georgia roads. The Insurance Research Council estimates that roughly 12% of drivers in Georgia are uninsured, making uninsured motorist (UM) coverage essential for riders.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional policy that protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance. In Georgia, this coverage can also extend to underinsured drivers—those whose policy limits are too low to cover the full extent of your damages.
UM coverage typically applies to:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drivers without insurance
- Drivers whose insurance doesn’t fully cover medical bills, lost wages, or long-term disability
Why Georgia Motorcyclists Need UM Coverage
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries. At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we’ve represented clients in Augusta who suffered traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones—injuries that can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in care.
Without UM coverage, victims may have no way to pay for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income or earning potential
- Long-term care and adaptive equipment
UM coverage can also provide compensation for pain and suffering, a crucial element in cases involving catastrophic injuries.
Augusta Case Insight:
One recent case involved a client injured in a motorcycle accident on Bobby Jones Expressway. The at-fault driver had minimal insurance. Thanks to the client’s underinsured motorist coverage and our aggressive legal strategy, our team—led by Robert MacGregor, a former public defender for the Augusta Judicial Circuit and graduate of the Charleston School of Law—secured a six-figure settlement that covered long-term treatment.
How Burnside Law Firm LLP Helps Riders in Augusta
Our attorneys understand Georgia’s insurance laws and local court systems, including those in Richmond and Columbia Counties. Founding Partner Thomas R. Burnside III has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation and holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, the highest peer rating standard. His decades of service include leadership with the Georgia State Bar Board of Governors and experience as a former City Attorney for Harlem, GA.
Partner Garon Muller, a Leadership Augusta graduate and former President of the Augusta Bar Association, actively participates in rider safety advocacy and community legal education. He has also earned the Avvo Client’s Choice Award and was named one of Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s “Top Ten in Ten” for his civic leadership and client service.
Our trial attorneys—including Ashton Revollo, a graduate of Emory University School of Law and active in the Aiken–Augusta region, and Robert MacGregor, admitted in both Georgia and South Carolina—provide comprehensive legal guidance rooted in experience and local insight.
Whether you’re riding through Evans, Martinez, or downtown Augusta, our team ensures every client receives personal, strategic attention backed by an impressive track record.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Georgia?
A: No, Georgia law does not require UM coverage. However, it must be offered when you purchase auto or motorcycle insurance. Given the high cost of medical care and the risk of encountering uninsured drivers in Augusta, it’s highly recommended.
Q: What happens if I’m hit by a driver who leaves the scene?
A: If you carry UM coverage, you may still be protected. Many hit-and-run accidents are treated as uninsured driver claims, allowing you to pursue compensation through your own policy.
Q: Can UM coverage help if the other driver has insurance, but it’s not enough?
A: Yes. Underinsured motorist coverage can make up the difference between what the other driver’s insurance covers and your actual expenses. This is especially important in motorcycle crashes, which often cause extensive injuries.
Q: How much uninsured motorist coverage should I carry?
A: We generally advise clients in the Augusta area to carry coverage equal to their liability limits. Speak with an attorney or insurance agent about your specific risks as a rider.
Q: Can I still file a personal injury claim if I have UM coverage?
A: Absolutely. At Burnside Law Firm, we often pursue claims against both the at-fault driver and the client’s UM provider. Our team—including attorneys like Ashton Revollo, who is active in the Aiken–Augusta community and a graduate of Emory University School of Law—can help you understand every option available.
A Final Word from Burnside Law Firm LLP
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our approach to motorcycle accident claims is rooted in local insight, professional integrity, and a commitment to results. With accolades from Georgia Super Lawyers, Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, our attorneys have earned the trust of clients across Augusta and beyond. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash—or want guidance on how to protect yourself before an accident—contact our Augusta office for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you ride safer and recover stronger.
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