Uninsured Motorists In Florida: What The Law Says
In terms of stressful life situations, few things can compare to the experience of being in an auto accident, especially one that causes personal injury. No matter if this is a driver’s first accident or their fifth, the actions to take following the crash can seem daunting and confusing. This is a large reason why drivers are taught in driver’s education courses what to do if they get in an accident.
Often, the first step to take following a crash is to contact your insurance provider. Florida law requires drivers to purchase a specific amount of personal injury protection. This means that in the event of an accident, each driver submits the claim to their respective insurance providers, who handle the claim and matters of compensation for damages. However, drivers sometimes ask: What if the accident has caused significant personal injury? And what if the other driver is uninsured?
The Florida Insurance Council has estimated that up to 23 percent of drivers in the state don’t have insurance. Therefore, if you are in an auto accident in Florida, there is a chance the other driver is uninsured. Read on to discover what drivers in Florida need to know about uninsured motorists.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Although it may sound like an oxymoron, uninsured motorist insurance is actually required by Florida law. This type of coverage will pay you if the other driver cannot. Insurance companies must offer this type of coverage along with more standard types of liability coverage. This coverage must be offered up to the same level as whatever standard liability coverage you select.
Claim Options
You are able to include a wide array of losses on the claim you submit to your insurance company after an accident with an uninsured motorist. For example, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages (e.g. pain and suffering) incurred as a result of the accident can be submitted for review and possible payout.
In many cases, the insurance company will be the main point of contact after an accident. However, if the extent of your medical expenses and disability requirements are extensive, you may be able to pursue legal action against the other driver. In these instances, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney is strongly advised.
Legal Action Against the Insurance Company
In the event that the insurance company doesn’t pay fairly on your claim, you are likely entitled to take legal action against them. Sometimes, insurance companies hope that drivers do not understand the laws, or bet that drivers will not decide to fight for their rights to adequate compensation. If the insurance company has not properly adhered to the terms of your uninsured motorist policy, and you have incurred personal injury due to the crash, contact a personal injury attorney to explore your options for legal action.
Contact an Attorney Today for Help
As previously mentioned in this article, working with an experienced Orlando uninsured motorist accident attorney can help injured motorists obtain fair compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver. Contact Payer Law for help with your case.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.736.html
