Did you know that Florida ranks among the states with the highest number of uninsured drivers? Nearly 1 in 4 drivers on Florida’s roads are uninsured. This staggering statistic means there’s a real chance you could get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance. Without the right coverage, you could be left paying for medical expenses and damages on your own.
At Zweben Law Group, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with the aftermath of an accident, especially if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Our founding attorney, Gene Zweben, has years of experience helping people get the compensation they deserve. He’s committed to ensuring that each client feels heard, understood, and protected. Here’s why uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is crucial in Florida.
Understanding Florida Law
Florida has some unique insurance laws when it comes to car accidents and personal injury cases:
- No-Fault Insurance Rule: In Florida, each driver’s own insurance covers their initial medical bills and certain other expenses after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage, called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), applies to minor injuries and typically covers up to $10,000.
- Negligence and Comparative Fault: In cases where someone is injured due to another driver’s negligence, Florida law allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault driver if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, if the other driver lacks insurance, you may struggle to get the financial support you need.
In short, while PIP can help cover immediate medical costs, it only goes so far. In cases of severe injuries, you need additional coverage to fully protect yourself.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance, or if you’re injured in a hit-and-run. This coverage helps with medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that the at-fault driver would have paid for if they had insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, on the other hand, helps when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover all your costs.
While your PIP policy covers some initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault, it’s usually capped at $10,000. This amount can be used up quickly in a serious accident and does not cover pain and suffering or long-term costs like disability or future medical bills. That’s where UM and UIM coverage come in—they provide a safety net to fill in the gaps that PIP and at-fault driver’s insurance can’t cover.
Why You Need UM/UIM Coverage in Florida
Here are some key reasons why UM coverage is so important in Florida:
High Rate of Uninsured Drivers
As mentioned, approximately 25% of drivers in Florida are uninsured. Even if the driver who hit you has insurance, they might not carry enough to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses. In Florida, liability (or bodily injury) coverage is not required, meaning someone can legally drive without any insurance to cover injuries they cause in an accident.
Financial Protection
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage helps cover costs that PIP insurance doesn’t, including:
- Medical expenses: Both current and future medical bills.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time off work and potential future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
- Disability costs: Support for long-term or permanent injuries.
Here’s a real-life example: Imagine getting hit by a driver who ran a red light and has no insurance. If you suffer serious injuries, PIP will only cover up to $10,000. Without UM coverage, you would be left paying out-of-pocket once that amount is exhausted. Additionally, you wouldn’t be able to recover anything for future medical expenses, pain and suffering, or other significant damages.
Broader Protection
UM and UIM coverage don’t just protect you while you’re driving. They also cover you as a passenger in another vehicle, as a pedestrian, and even as a cyclist, giving you extra security in various situations.
Peace of Mind
Having UM/UIM coverage means you don’t have to worry as much about the financial risks if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Adding this coverage to your policy is relatively affordable compared to the potential expenses you could face without it.
How Zweben Law Group Can Help
Filing a claim for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage isn’t always simple. Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, often disputing fault or arguing over the amount of damages owed. That’s where we come in.
At Zweben Law Group, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from notifying your insurance company to negotiating on your behalf. Gene Zweben has years of experience handling UM and UIM claims, and he’s dedicated to helping clients get the compensation they deserve.We pride ourselves on clear communication, keeping you informed, and ensuring you understand each part of the process. Contact us today at (772) 223-5454, and let’s make sure you’re fully protected.