UM/UIM Coverage in Florida
Taking care of the aftermath of a serious or fatal accident is difficult enough without adding to the fact that the person who caused the accident is uninsured or underinsured. Although Florida law dictates that drivers are required to have auto insurance, many do not. The number of uninsured motorists has even grown in recent years because of the recession, resulting in more problems for insured drivers who are then injured by these uninsured motorists in a motor vehicle accident.
If you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Fort Lauderdale or in one of the surrounding areas such as Miami or West Palm Beach, you can seek reimbursement for your injuries, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering. It may be that you’re already covered under your own uninsured motorist insurance policy or possibly a family member’s policy. Our personal injury lawyers can work with you in order to maximize the chances of getting the compensation outcome you’re hoping for.
Florida state uninsured motorist laws are complex, so knowing the ways to navigating the various insurance companies and policies involved can be difficult. If you or a family member has been injured in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured driver, we suggest you reach out to our Fort Lauderdale uninsured motorist lawyers today at Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A.
After an accident, you deserve to be treated with compassion by a team that cares about your well-being. Contact us online or by phone today for a free consultation at (954) 905-4600.
What Are Florida’s Insurance Laws?
Almost one in four Florida drivers lack insurance, despite the fact that to legally drive in the state of Florida, you must have auto insurance. This means that all drivers who lack adequate insurance after causing an accident may be subject to criminal charges in addition to having to pay for damages. In some cases, at-fault drivers have their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked.
Auto insurance policies must cover the following costs, at a minimum:
- $10,000 in property damage
- $10,000 per person for bodily injury
- $20,000 liability per accident
Florida is also known as a “no-fault” state, meaning that typically after an accident your insurance company should pay your claim up to $10,000 in damages, which include up to 80% of your medical expenses and up to 60% of your lost wages, while the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the rest. If you have uninsured/underinsured coverage, your policy can extend to your injuries as well as your family members and anyone who was in your car, and it can also provide compensation for wrongful death.
Uninsured motorist coverage does not compensate injured individuals for the following damages:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
If the other driver lacks insurance, they are no longer protected by the no-fault law and you may also be able to file a claim against them for damages if they exceed $10,000.
Are Hit & Run Accidents Covered by Insurance?
Unfortunately, there are instances in which at-fault drivers leave the scene of an accident, which is illegal. When this occurs, Florida law maintains that the driver is treated as an uninsured motorist because it’s impossible to access their insurance coverage without knowing who they are. If you were injured in a hit and run accident, you may be able to access your insurance coverage.
However, it’s important to understand that not all policies include uninsured motorist coverage, which is why having an attorney to guide you through the process is helpful. Our team can look at your existing policy to determine if you have UIM/UM coverage and, if not, we can advise you regarding your next steps.
For Dedicated Representation, Call Our Team
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an uninsured motorist accident in Fort Lauderdale or in one of the surrounding areas such as Miami or West Palm Beach, getting in touch with an experienced attorney should be your first step. An attorney knowledgeable in uninsured motorist cases can help you determine how much money you deserve to be compensated for your injuries.
Our lawyers have recovered millions for our clients and are dedicated to each case we handle. We can help you with the following after an accident:
- Determining if you have uninsured motorist coverage
- File a claim with your insurance company
- Communicate with insurance companies who seek to undermine your claim
- Gather evidence, including witness statements, crash reports, and medical records
- Recover damages including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
At our firm, we have highly skilled, experienced attorneys who can talk to the insurance companies in order to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
