What To Do If Involved In A Car Accident In Orlando With An Uninsured Motorist
Car accidents in Orlando can happen to even the safest and most cautious of drivers. When the reckless and negligent actions of other motorists leave you suffering serious personal injuries, auto insurance policies they have in place can help to cover some of your costs. However, Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country. Our Orlando car accident attorney advises you on your rights to compensation in this situation.
Florida Leads Nation In Uninsured Motorists
Under the Florida Statutes, all motorists are required to carry a mandatory minimum amount of auto insurance coverage. This includes personal injury protection (PIP) policies, which help offset the high costs associated with car accident injuries, and property damage liability (PDL) coverage, which covers damages suffered by other drivers involved.
Unfortunately, and despite potentially serious penalties, many drivers fail to have the proper auto insurance coverage in place. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Florida ranks 6th highest in the nation in terms of uninsured drivers. More than 20 percent of all motorists are not covered. Common reasons include:
- They are unwilling or unable to pay the high costs of insurance coverage;
- They accidentally allowed their policy to lapse;
- They are driving without a valid driver’s license or vehicle registration;
- They have speeding tickets, DUIs, or other infractions that can make it difficult to obtain a car accident insurance policy.
How To Get Compensation If Injured By An Uninsured Driver
Florida is what is known as a no-fault insurance state. This means that in the event of a car accident, your personal injury protection policy pays for medical expenses you suffer. The at-fault driver may be held liable through their property damage coverage for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle. However, in cases involving uninsured drivers, or when costs exceed policy limits, it is important to be aware of other options available.
In the event of a crash involving serious personal injuries in which the reckless actions of another driver are to blame, you may have the right to file a car accident lawsuit against them through the Orange County Civil Court. Compensation available in this type of claim includes:
- Economic damages, covering medical expenses, property damages, lost income, and other actual costs;
- Non-economic damages, compensating you for your pain and suffering;
- Punitive damages, an additional amount available in cases where the at-fault driver was grossly negligent.
Discuss Your Options With Our Orlando Car Accident Attorney
Auto insurance is designed to help offset the costs you incur when a car accident happens. However, in cases where injuries are severe or the other driver is uninsured, filing a car accident lawsuit may be your best option.
At Payer Law, we have over 30 years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. To discuss your options, give us a call or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Orlando car accident attorney.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.7407.html
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
myorangeclerk.com/Divisions/Civil
