Did you know that approximately one in five Florida motorists are driving without any insurance? What does this mean if you get into an accident with one of these drivers? Below, our Tallahassee auto accident lawyer explains the importance of uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance coverage. We also explain what happens when you get into an accident with an uninsured driver in Florida.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage in Florida?
UM and UIM insurance coverage protects you in the event that you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. It provides financial compensation for personal injury or wrongful death damages inflicted by a negligent driver that either:
- Does not have any insurance
- Does not have enough insurance
UM/UIM insurance coverage is critical because many people who actually do have auto insurance may only carry minimum levels of coverage to cover damages in an accident. In Florida, minimum auto insurance requirements for passenger vehicles include:
- Minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage
- Minimum of $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance coverage
Florida does not require that drivers have Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage or UM/UIM coverage. $10,000 does not go very far in medical care, lost wages or physical therapy in the event of a serious accident. UM/UIM insurance will also make up the difference if the at-fault driver is underinsured.
What Happens if I Am in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver in Florida?
So what happens if you are severely injured by one of these uninsured drivers? In many cases, it will be very difficult to recover compensation from the negligent driver. Though you could file a claim against the driver, if the driver does not have insurance, then he or she likely also does not have any assets.
Fortunately, you can protect yourself and your family by adding uninsured motorist insurance to any automobile policy. In the event that you are in an auto accident with an uninsured driver, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurance company may cover your medical bills. The amount of compensation you receive will be dependent on your policy.
If you do not have UM or UIM insurance coverage, then your insurance company may not pay for your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tallahassee Auto Accident Lawyer
There are very specific requirements and ways to maximize and execute a UM or UIM recovery, and Milles Law is always here to answer your questions. During a free consultation, we can help you to determine your potential legal options. Call us at (855) 553-3310 or contact us online to schedule a free case review. Your Injury. Your Rights. Your Lawyer.