What Should You Do When You Get in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
If you purchase a car in Florida, the law requires you to obtain auto insurance before requesting to register your vehicle. While getting car insurance may seem like a trivial task, auto insurance plays a large role in protecting yourself and the potential damages you can incur with your car. Even if you are at fault in an accident, car insurance policies are beneficial because they can help you pay for medical bills, repairs, legal fees, and more.
Despite the advantages of owning car insurance, many citizens choose to evade the law by driving uninsured. While this may be helpful for saving some extra cash, once the uninsured driver gets into a car accident, the equation becomes both convoluted and costly. If you have been in a car accident with an uninsured party, it is central that you are prepared for what legal steps to take next.
Uninsured Motorists in Florida
Of the top 10 states that have the most uninsured motorists, Florida comes in at first place with 26.7% of its population uninsured by 2015. Florida alone is 13.7% above the national average, and well above the lowest ranking state, Maine, with only 4.5% of its population uninsured. The state of Florida’s only insurance requirements are property damage liability and PIP. This provides unpressured and uninsured Floridian drivers with no motivation to legally drive with purchased insurance. Shockingly, the percentage disparity between Florida and D.C, the tenth top state of the most uninsured motorists, is already 11.1%.
Steps You Can Take
The situation of each car accident varies and there is no single best way to deal with the aftermath. While every accident with an uninsured driver may differ, the typical steps that most follow include:
- Filing a police report- If you are looking to receive compensation for an accident, this step is crucial. Failing to file a police report may hinder you from getting properly compensated.
- Getting a check-up at the hospital- Safety and your wellbeing should be the number one priority. Car accidents can cause many internal injuries that are not visible from the exterior. As a result, it is important to get a check-up. Medical documents from the hospital are also useful as pieces of evidence.
- Getting in touch with your insurance company- If there were damages or injuries from the car accident, it may be necessary to get in contact with your health insurance provider, car insurance provider, or both.
Contact an Attorney Today
Dealing with the aftermath of car accidents, especially when the other party is uninsured, can be a strenuous task to handle by yourself. In your best interest, it is recommended to find an attorney who will help you take care of the entire legal process. If you are looking to pursue legal action and get the compensation you deserve, our skilled Orlando car accident lawyers at Payer Law are here to help. To discuss your options and determine what steps you should take next, please do not hesitate to give our office a call at 866-930-1238.
Resource:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
https://www.payerlawgroup.com/will-a-dash-cam-help-my-case/
