Uninsured & Underinsured Driver Accidents in Florida
Our attorneys can help you identify all potential sources of compensation
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is challenging, but when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, things can get even more complicated. The claims process in Florida can be frustrating and confusing. You may be left wondering how you will pay for medical expenses to treat your injuries and other damages.
That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. At Feingold Posner Draizin, we are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims. Our attorneys will identify all possible sources of compensation and can guide you through the process every step of the way.
All drivers in Florida are required to carry car insurance
The minimum requirements are:
- $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This covers 80% of your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident.
- $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL) – This covers vehicle repairs and other property damage you caused during a crash.
You have the option of buying coverage with higher policy limits. This is recommended, as the amount of your damages can easily exceed $10,000.
You are also able to choose other types of coverage on your policy. One option is Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage, which pays for damages suffered by other parties if you caused an accident.
Another option is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). This protects you if you’re hit by a driver who does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage.
Who pays for damages if I’m hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver?
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you would first file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your injuries and damages after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. So, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses in PIP benefits from your own insurance company – up to your policy limit.
If the other driver has insurance, you can file a claim with their insurance company. However, the amount you can recover is limited to that driver’s policy limits. If their coverage does not cover your damages, you may have to pursue other options.
If you have UM/UIM coverage, you can file a claim with your insurer to recover the difference between the other driver’s coverage and your actual damages.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you would file a claim using your own UM/UIM coverage.
Even a claim with your own insurance company can be complicated
Insurance companies are always thinking about their bottom line and will try to find ways to pay you less. Some of the tactics and strategies they use include:
- Minimizing medical claims – The insurance company may argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed or that recommended treatment is unnecessary.
- Linking injuries to pre-existing conditions – The insurer might argue that your injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the accident, which can reduce or eliminate your claim for those injuries.
- Pressuring to settle early – Insurance companies often offer quick settlements soon after the accident, hoping you’ll accept a low amount before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages.
Insurance companies handle claims every day, and they have the advantage. You need an experienced car accident attorney who knows how to fight back.
Our lawyers used to represent insurance companies
We know how they operate and all the tactics and strategies they use to try to limit your compensation. Now, we put our experience to work for the injured. Our attorneys focus on building strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously.
Our firm investigates your crash to get the facts. We gather evidence, such as any existing video of the accident, carefully review accident reports, and interview witnesses about what they saw. We keep track of your injuries and determine your current and future medical expenses, as well as other damages you suffered.
Our lawyers are committed to helping you recover the most compensation possible through all available sources. This includes your own insurance policy, the other driver’s insurance policy, and potentially other sources.
If you were hurt in a car accident in Plantation, Broward County, or anywhere in Florida, you may not know what to do next. Let’s talk about what happened. When you call us, you get us. One of our attorneys can review the details of your accident and discuss your legal options for recovering compensation. We can also answer any questions you have.
There’s no cost and no obligation. We just want you to have the information you need to put your mind at ease. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.