Car accidents are always unexpected and can cause significant damage and injuries. Even a relatively minor car accident can be a big headache to deal with. If an uninsured motorist injured you, your situation can become even more complex.
Victims of these kinds of accidents have to deal with the uncertainty of financial recovery. How will you get the compensation you may be entitled to? If you or a loved one were injured in an uninsured motorist accident near Clearwater, Florida you have options. Our Clearwater uninsured motorist accident lawyers can guide you through what can be a stressful process.
Uninsured Drivers in Florida
All drivers are required to have car insurance in Florida by law. Nationally, 13% of drivers were driving uninsured in 2015. Unfortunately, for Florida, that number is far higher. Reports show that 26.7% of Florida drivers were driving uninsured. This means that, on average, of every four drivers, one would be uninsured. Fortunately, there are still protections in place for uninsured motorist accident victims.
Understanding “No-Fault” Insurance
Florida is considered a “no-fault” state when it comes to insurance. This means that drivers carry insurance to protect themselves (rather than other drivers). In Florida, a driver who gets into an accident of any kind will make a claim with their own insurance company. However, it is important to note that more compensation can be obtained in many cases, often through a personal injury lawsuit.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP)
After an accident with an uninsured motorist, one important thing to understand is that a portion of your losses will be covered. Through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, you will be covered for at least some of your medical losses. Under Florida law, all vehicles must be covered by PIP (for minimum coverage of $10,000). Here are some important things to know about PIP coverage:
- As Florida is a “no-fault” state, PIP provides coverage for medical costs and, in some cases, lost wages.
- To be covered by PIP, a victim should be treated medically as soon as possible. If not treated within two weeks of the injury (14 days), you may not be eligible.
- If all of your losses are not covered by your Personal Injury Protection Coverage, you may have more options.
Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Another significant kind of insurance in uninsured motorist accidents is underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. While this is not required by Florida law, it offers you some additional protection if you do have it. Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage will cover the following, in the majority of cases:
- Hospital bills from the injury
- Physical therapy expenses
- Mental health costs
- MRIs, labs, and x-rays
- Prescriptions
- Prosthetics
- Lost wages (from missed time at work)
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of earning capacity (if an injury has left you unable to perform your job at the same level)
However, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage does not cover all of the expenses you may have incurred. It does not cover everything. For example, it will typically not cover:
- Rental car fees
- Repair fees for your vehicle
Other Options to Recover Your Losses
If you or a loved one was injured by an uninsured motorist, and your insurance does not cover all of your expenses, you may have to continue exploring more options. To recoup your losses, you may also consider:
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. While this can take time and seem daunting, a personal injury lawsuit against this individual may get you the compensation that helps you recover.
- Filing a lawsuit against the employer of the driver. If the driver was working at the time of the accident (and driving uninsured), this is also partially the responsibility of their employer.
- Contacting a Clearwater uninsured motorist accident lawyer. An auto accident lawyer who is familiar with the laws and policies regarding uninsured motorists can help you through the process.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
A lawyer can help you get the compensation you are due. While every case is different, a Clearwater uninsured motorist accident lawyer typically may help in the following ways.
Obtaining Evidence
Accidents happen fast, and memory fades over time. Because of these two factors, it is crucial to amass as much evidence as possible to prove your case. Key pieces of evidence include; photographs or video of the accident, witness interviews, and the accident report. All of these are examples of objective evidence to corroborate what happened down the line and help prove your case to a judge if necessary.
Calculating Damages
Some expenses, such as car repair bills, are one-time costs and are easy to calculate. However, medical expenses, particularly if they are ongoing, are significantly more complex. Even more complicated to calculate are damages for pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer serving Clearwater will be familiar and comfortable calculating these damages.
Negotiating and Filing
A lawyer can communicate directly with your insurance company for you to get what you are entitled to, as well as, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf and prepare you for court.
Call for Help with Your Claim
If you were in an uninsured motorist accident near Clearwater, Florida, the Dolman Law Group is available to help. Do not hesitate to reach out and schedule a free no-obligation consultation.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
800 N Belcher Rd
Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: (727) 451-6900