If an uninsured driver in Florida has wrongly injured you, you’re in a difficult position—one that can feel overwhelming and unfair. Medical bills can pile up quickly, you may be unable to work, and the stress of dealing with insurance claims can add to an already frustrating situation. Unlike accidents involving insured drivers, where liability coverage helps cover damages, getting compensation from an uninsured driver presents additional challenges.
However, you still have options to protect yourself and seek the financial recovery you deserve. Understanding Florida’s insurance laws and knowing the right steps to take after an accident can make all the difference in securing the compensation you need. If this is the challenging situation you find yourself in, don’t put off consulting with an experienced Florida car accident attorney.
The Benefits of PIP Coverage
Florida law requires every motorist to carry personal injury protection (PIP), which you may turn to if the driver who leaves you injured has no insurance. PIP coverage is not as robust as the coverage that the driver’s liability policy would provide. Yet it does cover the following losses, which can help considerably:
- 80 percent of the reasonable medical expenses you experience because of the accident
- 60 percent of the lost wages you experience because of the accident
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Helps You
Besides your PIP coverage, you may also carry uninsured motorist coverage. It handles claims related to negligent motorists who don’t carry the insurance the law requires them to.
If you have an uninsured motorist policy, it will cover your claim much like the other driver’s policy would if they had one in place. An underinsured motorist policy provides similar coverage in situations where the at-fault party may have some insurance, but not enough to adequately compensate you for your injuries. You aren’t required to buy uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance in Florida.
Undergoing The Insurance Process
Even if you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage through your insurance provider, you should expect the insurance company to put profits first and attempt to keep your settlement as low as possible.
As such, there are several important steps you can take to help protect your claim from the outset:
- Seek medical attention early on (even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured) and follow your doctor’s orders and advice carefully
- Consult with a dedicated Tampa car accident lawyer at your earliest opportunity
- Allow your attorney to handle the insurance company on your behalf (the less interaction you have with the insurance rep handling your claim, the less chance there is that they will trip you up – to keep your settlement low)
- Take a social media break while your claim is pending (the insurance company is only too happy to twist your posts in a manner that damages your claim)
Claims involving uninsured motorists can be exceptionally challenging. So, having professional legal counsel on your side is an excellent idea.
An Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney Can Help
At Hancock Injury Attorneys in Florida, our seasoned car accident attorneys have extensive experience guiding claims like yours toward optimal outcomes that support our clients’ rights and best interests.
Your recovery is too important to leave to chance. Please don’t wait to reach out and contact or call us at 813-915-1110 for more information today.