Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist

According to Florida laws, drivers need to have a minimum level of insurance coverage. The minimum required personal injury protection is $10,000. However, not all motorists have the right amount of coverage, if any at all. In central Florida, there are many drivers without coverage.

If you’re involved in a car accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, you could have a legal battle ahead of you. Their lack of insurance makes it difficult for you to receive money for your injury and car repairs. 

You’re not alone in your fight for compensation. Abercrombie, P.A. has worked with many car crash victims. We know what it takes to pursue payment, and we’ll do what it takes to stand up for you. With us as your advocate, you can get the money you need to recover.

The Prevalence of Uninsured Drivers in Central Florida 

Uninsured driving isn’t only a problem in central Florida. In the U.S., about one in every seven drivers has no insurance. Between 2011 and 2012, over 500,000 drivers in the U.S. had their license suspended for driving underinsured or uninsured. 

Florida is one of the worst states for uninsured drivers. In 2015, 26.7% of drivers in the state were uninsured. This number was higher than any other state. Central Florida contributed to that number.

Why It Matters

In Florida, the minimum insurance requirement is relatively low. If a driver is at-fault for an accident, the victim may be able to go through the driver’s insurance. This means that they should be able to receive money for the medical expenses, missed wages, and car repairs. 

But there is a limit to the payout. The limit on the insurance policy becomes the limit on how much money you can receive. If an underinsured motorist has $5,000 in coverage, you can only receive $5,000 from their insurance. This could leave you with out-of-pocket expenses.

You may have uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance option will prevent you from paying your own expenses if the other driver is underinsured or uninsured. But it is not a requirement for Florida drivers, so you may not have this type of coverage. 

Typically, there are many expenses associated with car accidents. Having to pay those expenses from your own bank account could lead to financial ruin. Between your emergency room bills, missed paychecks from work, and car repairs, you could have thousands of dollars in debt.

What Can You Do About Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists?

As previously mentioned, you could get uninsured motorist coverage to prevent complications that arise from accidents with uninsured drivers. But this isn’t your only option.

If the uninsured driver was negligent and responsible for the accident, you can file a lawsuit against them. A personal injury lawsuit can get you money for your accident whether or not the other driver was insured.

Your claim hinges on liability. The one main requirement for a personal injury claim is negligence. For instance, the uninsured driver may have rear-ended you while texting and driving. Texting and driving is a form of distracted driving, which is negligent. The other driver breached their duty of care to you, and the breach caused your injuries. Another requirement for the lawsuit is damages. If you didn’t suffer any injuries or property damage in the accident, you cannot sue the other driver.

The lawsuit takes money from the other driver’s assets or other insurance policies. Therefore, the amount you can receive depends on the value of their assets or the limits on their other policies. If you want to learn more about your potential compensation, you should speak with a car accident lawyer. 

What Damages Can You Recover?

If the other driver was liable for the accident, you can recover several types of damages. For one, you can get money for your current and future medical bills. You can also receive compensation for the money you lost from missing work. Funds for any property damage, such as vehicle damage, could also be granted to you. 

You may also be able to recover money for your pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one in an accident, your lawsuit could end with damages for other losses.

Abercrombie, P.A. wants answer all of your questions about accidents with uninsured drivers. If you’re interested in learning more, call us today.