How Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work in Florida?

You’re doing all the right things when it comes to having the required amounts of car insurance on your vehicle, and you expect others on the road to do the same. But you just learned that your friend was on his way to work when his car was hit by a driver who ran a red light, and now his car is totaled.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, your friend discovered that the at-fault driver was uninsured. You’re beginning to wonder if the coverage you thought was adequate is enough to cover your medical expenses and car repairs or replacement if this were to happen to you.

Car accident lawyer Peter Dyson has years of experience serving car accident victims in South Florida. In this article, Dyson explains how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM) works in Florida and how he can help you if you’ve been in a car accident.

What is UM in Florida?

UM is an optional coverage that you can add to your auto insurance policy in Florida. UM applies to you, your relatives who live with you, and anyone who uses your car. UM compensates you for injuries sustained in a car accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured (has no insurance) or underinsured (not enough insurance).

According to the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated 20.4% of all motorists in Florida do not have UM in the event of an accident. Although not required by the state of Florida, any competent car accident lawyer would recommend increasing your standard coverage and adding UM to your policy without delay.

UM can be used to pay for:

- Medical expenses, both present and future
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future loss of earning potential

Benefits of UM

Because UM protects you in an injury accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the main benefit of having it is that you will have the money you need regardless of who is at fault. Even though Florida is a no-fault state, you may require additional funds to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses after your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage has been exhausted. In such a case, UM can help. It can protect you from incurring unnecessarily high financial costs due to another driver’s negligence.

How Can I Get Fair Compensation for Medical Bills from UM After an Accident?

Receiving compensation for your accident claim starts with your insurance agent before the accident. When was the last time you updated your policy? Consider increasing certain existing coverages and add UM if you don’t already have it.

After an accident, you want to find a personal injuries lawyer with experience in representing car accident victims. Once you find a lawyer for a car accident, describe the events of the accident and email any pictures you have of the scene and damage. Your car accident lawyer can reconstruct the events of the accident and begin building your case.

If the other driver who caused the crash (tortfeasor) has insurance, you may have to sue them to receive appropriate compensation for your claim.

However, suppose the other driver does not have insurance or assets to cover your losses or injuries in the accident. In that case, you may go through your insurance to recover your damages or medical expenses if you have UM.

If your insurance company doesn’t provide adequate UM, you can file a civil remedy notice with the state. This allows the insurance company to fix their mistake. It is the first step to possibly collect over your policy limits after a jury verdict determines your damages.

With the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer, you may be able to settle your case quickly. Your lawyer for a car accident can help you navigate the many different strategies to receive fair compensation for your injuries after a car accident.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim for Car Accidents

To file a claim, you have up to four years from the date of the accident. You cannot file a claim or collect damages after the statute of limitations has expired. It’s best to start the process immediately after the accident while the evidence remains fresh. It will also allow you to collect damages sooner, replace the lost income, and pay medical bills. Many people discover that filing the case well before the statute of limitations is the key to reducing stress following an automobile accident.

Contact Dyson Law, PLLC for a Car Accident Attorney in South Florida

When you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Florida, it is essential to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side from the beginning. Your attorney will deal with your insurance company to ensure you receive compensation.

The attorneys at Dyson Law, PLLC have years of experience working with insurance companies, various insurance policies, and individuals who need to file insurance claims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact Dyson Law, PLLC today. We can guide you through the intricate process of maximizing your insurance claim.

You can reach us by calling (561) 498-9979 or online to schedule your free case consultation. We also have some helpful YouTube videos you can access here.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Dyson Law, PLLC
15300 Jog Rd, Suite 103
Delray Beach, FL 33446
(561) 498-9979
https://dysonlaw.com/