Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the United States. In fact, nearly a quarter of all drivers in the state do not have adequate coverage. As the pool of insured vehicles lowers, the risk increases for responsible drivers, along with their premiums. This creates an unsafe environment that can lead to major economic issues for individuals and families involved.
The state of Florida has laws protecting those who get in an accident with uninsured or underinsured drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is vital that you take immediate action to hold the offending party accountable for their actions, with the help of a qualified Fort Lauderdale uninsured motorist attorney at your side.
Fort Lauderdale Uninsured Motorist Attorney
Cases that involve insurance can be extremely complex. With multiple parties involved, pursuing compensation that you need can be frustrating without experienced guidance. Insurance providers will commonly look out for their interests and bottom line, making it difficult to demand proper compensation.
You need to have legal counsel that can identify the facts of the case and prove that the negligence warrants compensation. Although uninsured and underinsured motorist policies are commonplace in Florida, these rarely make up for the extreme costs of a major injury. Fort Lauderdale uninsured motorist attorney Lisa S. Levine P.A. has a great deal of experience working these types of cases, and can bring their knowledge and courtroom understanding to the table when representing you.
Injury Victim
We offer comprehensive counsel and will do all the legwork necessary. We proactively seek out the relevant details of the case and will never be intimidated by the substantial legal resources of uncooperative insurance companies. We are so confident in our abilities, that we offer our services on a contingency basis, only requiring legal fees if you collect on your case.
As a Broward County firm, we are conveniently located to provide legal counsel to individuals and families throughout Southeastern Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Miramar, Coral Springs, Tamarac, Davie, and Pembroke Pines, among many others. To discuss your legal options going forward, we offer free and confidential consultation with a Fort Lauderdale uninsured motorist attorney for anyone who feels they have a personal injury claim. Call us at (954) 256-1820 or send an online message today.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Florida is a no-fault state and requires its drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and property damage insurance. However, the amounts required by law are low.
Florida requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection coverage with a maximum deductible of $2,000. PIP insurance provides coverage for the owner of the vehicle, residents in the same household, anyone driving the vehicle with the owner’s permission, and passengers and pedestrians involved in the accident that do not have their own insurance.
When the damages to you or your vehicle exceed the amount of insurance coverage available, it means that the offending driver is underinsured. You are covered by the reckless driving of an uninsured motorist if you have uninsured motorist coverage. That is insurance coverage you purchase that will pay you when the other driver either does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to compensate you for your injuries.
Florida law states that your insurance provider must offer you uninsured motorist coverage. He or she must present you with a document, authorized by the Florida Department of Insurance, to sign if you choose to reject uninsured motorist coverage.
This type of coverage generally is not expensive and protects you from the one out of four drivers on the road who maybe uninsured. Additionally, if your child or a member of your household is walking or riding a bike and is struck by a hit-and-run driver, your uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you for the injuries. And if you are a passenger in another person’s vehicle and there is a collision and you suffer injuries, your uninsured motorist coverage would cover treatment of your injuries if the car’s owner was underinsured or had no insurance.
Keep in mind that if you settle with the at-fault driver with the intent to pursue your UM coverage for the value of your claim above the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage limit, you must get approval from the UM insurer to enter into the settlement.
Uninsured Motorist Accident Damages
Damages are compensation for the costs directly and indirectly related to the accident. Some of the most common types of damages in an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Mental anguish
- Loss of wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
If you have collision coverage, property damage may be eligible. Punitive damages are not allowed in these cases.
Florida Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is a law that places a time limit on pursuing legal action in relation to negligent conduct. After the expiration of the statutory period, unless a legal exception applies, the injured person loses the right to file a lawsuit seeking money damages or other relief.
The statute of limitations begins at the time a claim accrues. According to Florida Law, the following are the time limits for filing a personal injury suit:
- Uninsured Motorist – 5 years
- Personal Injury – 2 years
- Injury to Personal Property – 4 years
Although UM litigation allows for extra time, you must be careful. If you allow the at-fault driver to be released from liability by the expiration of the statute of limitations, your insurer will lose its ability to recover the amounts it may be obligated to pay you and your claim can be compromised by causing the UM insurer to lose the ability to pursue that driver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Auto Accidents
What Should I Keep in My Car in Case I’m in an Auto Accident in Florida?
Even the safest drivers can be involved in a car accident at any time. Being prepared is key to protecting your legal rights if you’re injured by a negligent driver. Such items include:
– A cell phone with a camera to take pictures of the scene and injuries.
– Pen and paper to write down contact information for ther other driver and witnesses.
– Medical information card with your insurance information, as well as notes about any allergies and conditions that may require special attention/
– A list of emergency contact names and phone numbers.
– A first aid kit.
– Several small road cones.
– Emergency flares.
What Role Does an Accident Lawyer Play in a Car Accident Case in Broward County?
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is key to getting maximum compensation. Our firm will:
– Make sure you are getting proper medical treatment for your injuries;
– Communicate directly with the insurance companies;
– Fully investigate your accident, including gathering witness statements, photographs and expert opinions;
– Obtain and analyze police and operator reports; and
– Evaluate medical records.
We will assess and value your injuries and aggressively pursue compensation for your lost wages, medical costs, and any other short- and long-term expense related to your accident. We will negotiate your claim to achieve the most favorable ruling and fight the case in court if necessary.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve A Broward County Car Accident Claim?
There are many variables in auto accident cases that affect how long the case may take to resolve. The severity of the accident and injuries and how many parties are involved are a few of those factors. Because of this, it’s difficult to put a general timeline on these case. For some, a settlement may be reached in just a few weeks. In others, it may take a year or longer and go to all the way to trial.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident In Fort Lauderdale
After a car accident, there are several important steps to that are important to protect your rights and make sure you recover maximum compensation later.
1. Always stop at the scene and pull your car out of traffic if you can.
2. Call the police.
3. Document the scene.
4. Get the other driver’s contact information.
5. Contact your insurance company.
Read more about what to do after a car accident.
Get Help from an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Uninsured Motorist Attorney
A case that involves uninsured or underinsured motorists, if not approached in the proper manner, can either lead to a minimum payout that does not cover costs or to an uphill legal battle against difficult and profit-focused insurance providers.
To keep this issue from spiraling out of control, it is of paramount importance to work with an experienced car accident injury attorney who has the knowledge and ability to stand up for you and confidently demand proper compensation. Using a fact-based and logic driven legal process, we identify relevant details and align them to prove negligence and fault in an orderly and efficient manner. This translates to time-sensitive and value focused representation that places your interests above all else.
Representing all of Southeastern Florida from our Weston and Fort Lauderdale offices, we are a convenient choice for individuals and families throughout the cities of Margate, Plantation, Cooper City, North Lauderdale, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, and Pompano Beach, among others.
To schedule a free consultation to go over the details of your case with one of our attorneys, contact us today at (954) 256-1820 or send an online message.
