With an Attorney’s Perspective, Gain an Understanding of Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are optional car insurance policies. These policies cover drivers if they suffer injuries in a car accident due to the negligence of an uninsured driver.
If you have suffered severe injuries in a car accident with an uninsured negligent driver, a car accident attorney can look over your car insurance policies and determine what coverage you have and the value of your policy limits. They can also assist with filing an auto insurance claim to your insurer and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement.
Legal Insights on Uninsured Motorist Coverage
To begin with, Florida is a no-fault state, which means that in any accident, you will file a claim with your insurance company. This no-fault coverage is referred to as personal injury protection or PIP. Per Florida Statutes § 324.021, you must have a minimum PIP coverage of $10,000. Your PIP will cover 80% of your reasonable medical care and 60% of your gross income up to the policy limit. Failure to maintain the minimum insurance coverage could result in your driver’s license suspension and fines.
UM and UIM policies, on the other hand, are optional. These policies, per Florida Statutes § 627.727, provide additional coverage in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. If the at-fault driver lacks liability coverage, these policies can help cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Since UM and UIM are optional policies, there would be an additional cost to your insurance premium. Even though they are not mandatory, your insurance carrier must offer them to you, and you must decline the coverage in writing.
Damages You Can Claim From UM and UIM Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is meant to help accident victims cover their financial losses following an accident with an uninsured negligent driver. These policies can help accident victims with their:
- Medical bills that they have incurred
- Healthcare expenses for future care
- Lost income, such as salary or hourly wages
- Pain and suffering they endured from the accident
- Disability and disfigurement
If you lost a loved one, UM and UIM can assist with the losses your family is facing, as well as funeral and burial expenses.
UM and UIM in Hit and Run Accidents
Drivers involved in a wreck have an obligation to the injured to remain at the accident scene. Sadly, though, some people flee, and a common reason they do is they lack insurance coverage.
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 6.18% of the vehicles on our state roads were uninsured in January 2023. That comes out to 973,077 of the 15,734,855 registered vehicles for that month and year. In Broward County, that percentage was 6.72%.
If you were hit and injured by another driver who fled the accident scene, and the driver is never found, UM and UIM are another source to cover your losses.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have been injured and would like the assistance of a personal injury attorney, you can get a free case evaluation with our firm. You can discuss your case with our legal team, and we can help you build a claim for compensation. Our attorneys can:
- Investigate your accident: They can gather evidence of the accident, including the police report, medical records, eyewitness statements, expert testimonies, photos, and video.
- Review your car insurance policies: They can review your car insurance and explain which coverages you carry and their policy limits.
- Identify the liable party to your accident: Whether it is one person or multiple entities, they can be sure to file insurance claims with each liable party.
- Determine a fair settlement value: Your fort lauderdale car accident lawyer can review your medical bills, lost wages, and other non-economic and economic losses to determine the compensation you need.
- Represent your best interest: They can negotiate with the insurance companies or represent you at trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
Get Help Today With Your Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you understand your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. We can review your case during a free consultation. Also, our miami car accident attorneys can handle your case on contingency. We understand the difficulties our clients are facing as they recover from their injuries. Contingency-based legal services allow you legal representation with no upfront fees. We only get paid if we successfully obtain compensation for you. So, contact us today and call (954) 633-8270.
