What to Do If the At Fault Driver Has No Insurance in Florida and Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters

Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the United States. Many people are surprised to find out that the driver who caused the accident didn’t have insurance at all. When this happens it can make the situation pretty stressful, and quickly. The car needs repaired and the medical bills start to come in, and the at fault driver has no coverage to pay for the damage! Understanding your potential options can make a tough moment like this much easier to manage.

Florida’s no fault system requires every driver to carry PIP, which is Personal Injury Protection. This coverage pays for your own medical bills and lost wages up to the policy limit, no matter who caused the accident. While PIP can help, it’s often not enough to cover injuries that are more serious in nature. When the at fault driver has no insurance the next layer of protection becomes essential, which is Uninsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage, usually referred to UM, is absolutely one of the most important types of insurance a Florida driver can carry. UM steps in when the other driver has no insurance, or they don’t have enough insurance to cover your losses. It can pay for medical bills, future care and treatment, loss of income, and also the pain caused by the crash. Many people don’t even realize they have UM because it can be bundled into their policy.

After a crash with an uninsured driver, there are several steps that assist with protecting your claim.

• Report the accident to law enforcement and your insurance company as soon as you can
• Get medical attention within the required timeframe so your PIP benefits stay available

UM claims can still be challenging because insurance companies are often focused on trying to minimize payouts or to argue that the injuries are not related to the accident. This is why documentation is so totally important. Medical records, photos, witness statement(s), and repair estimates to help support your claim. This also helps to show the full impact of the accident.

Another helpful step is reviewing your policy with a personal injury attorney, since many drivers don't fully know the limits of their coverage or how UM applies to their situation. Being hit by an uninsured driver can feel really unfair to someone, but UM coverage exists to protect you in exactly that kind of situation. It provides a safety net when the other driver can’t pay and helps ensure that one person's lack of responsibility, won’t become your financial burden. With a knowledgeable attorney in your corner, you have someone to clarify your options, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.

You don't have to navigate an uninsured drivers’ claim on your own. The team at Finman Law Group offers a free consultation to talk through what happened, look at your coverage, and help you understand the options available to you.