What happens When You Are Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Florida?
After a car accident in Florida, we will seek compensation through the other driver’s insurer for damages.
However, what if you suffer injuries in a serious accident like a car crash, and it turns out the driver who hit you was uninsured? An experienced Florida car accident attorney can explain your options and help you take legal action. With insurance costs on the rise, uninsured motorists are likely to become more common.
Mandatory Vehicle Insurance in Florida
In Florida, all motorists must carry a minimum insurance coverage of $10,000 for PIP (personal injury protection) and $10,000 for PDL (property damage liability). This is called “FULL coverage”.
In Florida, anyone driving without mandatory car insurance could face severe consequences, including license suspension and criminal charges. Nevertheless, many Florida motorists break the law by driving uninsured, which causes major problems for accident victims.
Either way, FULL coverage does not include BODILY INJURY coverage. If someone with FULL coverage only crashes into you, you will be out of luck as their insurance will NOT pay for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Your Options for Seeking Compensation
If an uninsured driver hits you, you may seek compensation for accident-related damages if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, your policy will “stand in the place of the at-fault party” and will cover your medical costs for you or anyone else in your vehicle when the accident happened. UM coverage may also cover lost wages and pain and suffering. You are able to stack your UM coverage with your bodily injury coverage.. While UM coverage isn’t mandatory, it’s highly recommended to purchase this type of coverage in Florida. UM coverage is separate from your PIP coverage. PIP coverage pays your doctors. UM coverage puts money in your pocket.
UM Policy Stacking
If you have two UM policies or a single UM policy covering more than one vehicle, you may be able to “stack” coverage either within a policy or across policies.
For instance, let’s say you have a UM policy with a limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The policy covers two vehicles. If an uninsured motorist hits you, you may have the option of “stacking” the limits to increase the available coverage to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
Policy stacking may be unavailable if you choose a “non-stacking” provision, which generally comes with a lower premium.
Florida Keys Injury Lawyers: Car Accident Lawyers in Key West and Marathon
Are you unsure about your legal options after a car or car accident involving an uninsured driver? Contact Florida Keys Injury Lawyers for powerful legal representation by skilled vehicle accident attorneys. Our personal injury lawyers will provide the legal support you need to rebuild your life after a serious accident.
Call 786-730-7198 or fill out our online form for a free consultation with a Florida car accident attorney. You only pay when we win.
