Options for Accidents With Uninsured Motorists
There you are, minding your own business, when out of nowhere you are pummeled by a vehicle. And turns out, the person in that other vehicle is an uninsured motorist. So, what now? Well, here at Payer Law in Orlando, we highly recommend contacting a motorcycle accident attorney. The main reason for this is because of the high amount of uninsured people on the road. Despite the fact that it is required, most people will find a way around that law. They do this by simply claiming insurance in order to get their vehicle registered, and cancel it soon afterwards. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), nearly 13% of motorists, or about one in eight drivers, were uninsured in 2014.
So what happens if you are met with an uninsured driver? Here are a few things you need to know along with your options:
Florida’s No Fault Law
Unfortunately for some, because Florida is a no-fault state, this generally means that you cannot sue the uninsured driver, unless you have suffered major damages (either to you or your vehicle). However, your damages will automatically be covered if you have the right kind of policy.
Add an Uninsured Motorists Policy with Your Insurance
Adding an uninsured driver option to your car insurance policy can save you, especially if you live in a no-fault state. Having this stipulation on your policy ensures that your damages are covered without the need for another insurance company payout. This policy can be used if you are in a crash with an uninsured driver, or if you are involved with a hit-and-run crash. It will pay for any injuries that you or your passengers suffer. However, this policy alone will not cover vehicle damages. For that, you will need uninsured motorist property damage coverage, or UMPD.
Adding this coverage to your policy will not cost much. On average, the state with the highest rate increase from this policy was California. The uninsured driver policy raised policies by nine dollars a month.
What If I Don’t Have an Uninsured Driver Policy?
If you have already been in an accident and you do not have this policy, there are a few other options that you can act on. Your health insurance should cover any injuries you develop due to a car wreck.
What You Should Never Do:
– Never accept cash from an uninsured driver. This may sound like a great option, until you get your car’s estimated repair costs and find the cash deal is no where near the amount you need. Or if you start experiencing bodily pain from the accident, that cash is not likely to cover medical exspenses.
– Never neglect gathering documentation. This is true especially when you are involved with an uninsured driver. A motorcycle accident attorney will be the first to tell you that taking photos of damamges, filing a police report, and seeking medical attention are vital in reaching a fair settlement with your insurance company.
If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver contact Payer Law in Orlando or speak with a motorcycle accident attorney to hear more about your options.
