Don’t Wait Until After a Crash to Review Your Insurance Think You’re Fully Covered? Think Again. The last thing you want to discover after a crash is that your insurance coverage isn’t enough to protect you. That’s why National Preparedness Month is the perfect reminder to prepare for more than hurricanes and power outages. It’s also an opportunity to ask an important question: If you were involved in a serious wreck tomorrow, would your insurance cover you? GEORGIA’S MINIMUM COVERAGE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH. Georgia law requires drivers to carry what’s commonly known as 25/50/25 liability coverage: • $25,000 for bodily injury per person • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident if more than one person is injured • $25,000 for property damage per accident These minimums help pay for injuries or property damage you cause to someone else if you’re at fault in a crash. However, they don’t pay for your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, or other losses. Also, if the damages you cause surpass your policy limits, you could be responsible for paying the difference out of your own pocket. DON’T LET ‘FULL COVERAGE’ GIVE YOU A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. Many drivers assume “full coverage” means they’re protected from just about anything. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. While full coverage generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, it still has limitations. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to understand exactly what your policy includes and what it doesn’t.
‘I’m Fine’ The Hidden Emotions Behind a Teen’s Most Common Response You ask your teen how school was … and they stare at their phone and say, “I’m fine.” The tone is flat, maybe a little rushed, like they’re trying to end the conversation before it starts. You nod and move on because it sounds harmless enough. Later, you wonder if they actually meant what they said. Most of the time, they didn’t. THE TRUE MEANING BEHIND ‘I’M FINE.’ Teenagers often say “I’m fine” when they’re not. The phrase is a shield, protecting privacy, avoiding awkward conversations, or keeping emotions from spilling out. Adults may hear reassurance, yet the words often hide stress, anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm. Many teens are still learning how to name feelings, especially when emotions shift quickly or feel too big to manage. Misreading those two words can lead to missed chances for support and connection. THE LANGUAGE BEHIND THE HABIT. “I’m fine” is frequently a shortcut. Teens might use it to end conversations they feel unprepared for or unsafe in. Emotional vocabulary is still developing during adolescence, so it’s easier to default to a neutral phrase than to explain complex feelings. Social pressure also plays a role, since appearing “okay” can feel safer than admitting struggle. The phrase can also signal exhaustion from repeated questions, as if their honesty is being ignored or misunderstood. WHAT ‘I’M FINE’ MIGHT ACTUALLY MEAN. Under the surface, “I’m fine” can mask anxiety about school, friendships, family tension, or identity questions. Teens may worry about being judged or becoming a burden if they share too much. Some avoid honesty to maintain independence, even when they need support. Emotional overload can also make it tough to unpack feelings in real time. Instead of describing what hurts, the brain often chooses the simplest exit, a quick reassurance that keeps attention away. LISTENING BEYOND THE SURFACE. Noticing changes in tone, body language, and behavior can reveal more than words alone. Short answers, withdrawal, or irritability often accompany hidden stress. Gentle, open-ended questions work better than direct pressure, giving teens space to talk when they’re ready. It’s important to remember that consistency matters more than intensity, since you build trust over time through small, steady check-ins rather than one large conversation. As we all know, those teenage years are wild, with emotions shifting quickly and pressures stacking up from school, friendships, and future plans. Adults who assume “I’m fine” means fine may miss early signs of distress that require attention. Small misunderstandings can grow into distance when teens feel unheard or dismissed. Remember, supportive listening helps teens feel safer being honest, even when they don’t have perfect words for what they feel.
ONE COVERAGE YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER. One of the smartest protections you can add to your policy is uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage . Roughly 1
in 8 Georgia drivers is uninsured, and many others carry only the state’s minimum coverage. If you’re injured by someone who has little (or no) insurance, UM/UIM coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and damage to your vehicle. Although this coverage isn’t required in Georgia, insurance companies are required to offer it. Choosing to keep it on your policy could make a tremendous difference after a serious crash. A FEW MINUTES TODAY COULD SAVE YOU THOUSANDS TOMORROW. This National Preparedness Month, take a few minutes to review your policy with your insurance agent. Ask questions. Make sure you understand your limits. Consider whether additional coverage makes sense for your family and your financial future.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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