Uninsured And Underinsured Driver Accidents in Florida
Legal Options After a Crash with an Uninsured Driver in Florida
It’s one of the most frustrating situations a driver can face in Florida – you’re seriously hurt in a car accident, only to find out the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough. Suddenly, your path to compensation can seem a lot less certain. But don’t panic. You still have options, and an experienced Florida car accident lawyer can help you understand what to do next.
At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, we understand the devastating impact these crashes can have. Based in Plantation, our law firm has over 40 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Florida, and we know how to navigate the insurance system in these difficult situations. If an uninsured driver caused your crash and you’re left wondering how to get your bills paid, we can help you find answers and take legal action right away.
Florida’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements Are Often Not Enough
Drivers licensed in Florida must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers your own injuries up to $10,000, regardless of who’s at fault. Unfortunately, that’s often not enough insurance for someone seriously hurt in a car crash.
In particular, Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage. That means someone can legally operate a vehicle in Florida without carrying any insurance that would cover injuries they cause to others.
Additionally, Florida drivers are not required to have uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection. If you have this optional car insurance – and you’re involved in a crash caused by an uninsured driver – your UM/UIM insurance can be a lifeline and an important source for accident compensation.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can make a world of difference after a crash with an uninsured driver. This type of insurance is designed to step in when the at-fault driver can’t cover your injuries.
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical expenses not covered by PIP.
- Lost wages due to missed work.
- Pain and suffering.
- Long-term disability or future medical care.
The key is to have this coverage on your own policy before the crash occurs. If you have it, you may be able to file a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance company – but don’t assume they’ll automatically do the right thing. Insurance companies often fight these claims just as hard as they would if they were representing the at-fault driver.
How A Florida Lawyer Can Help With Your UM/UIM Claim
Our Florida car accident lawyers can step in and advocate for your rights when dealing with uninsured or underinsured driver accidents. We can carefully review your insurance policy to determine the available coverage, investigate the other driver’s financial situation, and negotiate with your own insurer for full and fair compensation.
Here’s how we help:
- We review your policy and identify all available coverage.
- We investigate the crash and gather supporting evidence.
- We handle all communication with the insurance company.
- We fight for the maximum compensation allowed under your policy.
In some cases, we may also explore whether other parties (such as vehicle owners, employers, or third parties) may share responsibility for your injuries. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.
Don’t Wait To Get Legal Help After A Crash With An Uninsured Driver
After a serious car accident involving an uninsured driver, time is of the essence. Evidence can disappear, deadlines can be missed, and insurance companies will take advantage of any delay. That’s why we encourage you to contact our Florida law firm as soon as possible.
We understand how the Florida legal system operates in cases involving collisions with underinsured or uninsured drivers. This is critical since there’s often no time to waste when building a strong legal case.
When you hire us, you get more than legal help – you get a team that listens to your concerns, treats you with respect, and takes your case seriously. Contact us to learn more about your legal options. We’re here when you need us most.