What if I’m in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

The Insurance Information Institute estimates that more than 20% of drivers in Florida are uninsured. So, if you suffer injuries and losses in a Florida car accident with an uninsured driver, do not hesitate to hire a lawyer with the knowledge and experience to negotiate with your PIP and UM insurance carriers to get you the largest available reimbursement from your policy. They will also evaluate your prospects of recovering additional compensation from the at-fault party and any liable third parties.

At Kogan & DiSalvo, if you’ve been in a car accident with an uninsured driver, we could guide you through the entire claims process and work to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. We would also keep you informed of every milestone in your claim as we document the damages you’ve sustained and strive to maximize your legal recovery.

Does Florida Have Mandatory Car Insurance Laws?

All motorists who drive vehicles registered in Florida must carry at least $10,000 of PIP (personal injury protection) and PDL (property damage liability) insurance coverage. Drivers who fail to carry these minimum coverages can have their driving privileges suspended and their car registrations terminated, and in extreme cases, may face substantial fines and criminal penalties.

The state imposes these requirements to implement its no-fault insurance laws. With no-fault insurance, an injured driver’s coverage is the first source of payments for losses–regardless of who caused the accident. The advantage of no-fault insurance is that it can provide faster reimbursement without litigation.

However, insurance companies are incentivized to pay the least amount of that reimbursement and deny claims for damages that an injured driver is fully entitled to recover. An experienced car accident attorney is a driver’s best resource to recover greater reimbursement from a PIP insurance carrier following any car accident.

What if PIP Insurance Does Not Cover All Expenses?

Even a moderate car accident can leave a person with thousands of dollars of medical bills and expenses. When injuries cause them to miss work, they will also lose income from salary or wages and likely experience pain and discomfort while recuperating. Under these circumstances, a driver’s accident-related expenses can quickly exceed the limits of their PIP insurance coverage.

If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, that insurance will reimburse excess losses up to the limits of your coverage. If an injured driver still has expenses, they can sue the at-fault party. If uninsured, however, they may not have the means to pay a judgment. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can evaluate the viability of a lawsuit and advise the driver on their options for filing and possibly collecting excess damages.

That lawyer can also investigate the cause of the accident to determine if any third parties might also be liable, including the following:

• The at-fault driver’s employer if the accident happened while they were performing services on behalf of an employer.
• Other drivers that made sudden negligent maneuvers on the roadway and caused the at-fault driver to operate their vehicle in a way that led to the accident.
• Municipalities that failed to maintain roadways or erect warning signs about road hazards, where unsafe streets and hazards contributed to the accident.

The facts and evidence that can give rise to car accident claims against third parties will disappear quickly after an accident. An injured Florida driver who promptly retains an attorney after an accident will always have a better opportunity to secure those claims.

Call Kogan & DiSalvo After for a Free Consultation

Please call our Florida car accident attorneys at Kogan & DiSalvo after your accident to begin the process of recovering the largest available damages awards from all parties that bear liability for your injuries. We have locations with convenient office hours in Boca Raton and several other locations in Southeastern Florida. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We also work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.