Dealing with uninsured motorists in car accidents can be frustrating, as these motorists put their victims in difficult financial circumstances when they cause accidents. Your dealings with the at-fault driver should be limited, as saying the wrong thing(s) could compromise your case for compensation.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will explain your options for seeking compensation after a collision with an uninsured driver. You may be able to sue the at-fault motorist or pursue compensation from your insurance company. An attorney can lead any personal injury claim or lawsuit you pursue.
Know Your Options After a Car Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Car accidents are unexpected, and it’s even less expected to learn that an at-fault motorist lacks insurance. Your personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will eliminate all confusion by advising you of your options, which may include seeking money through:
Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Motorists in Florida must carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage, per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Regardless of who caused your accident in Fort Lauderdale, your PIP insurance policy should cover 80% of accident-related medical bills up to your PIP coverage limit.
Your attorney will demand that your insurer provide the compensation you are entitled to because of your PIP coverage.
Your Collision Coverage
If you maintain collision insurance coverage, your lawyer will demand that your insurance company pay for vehicle repairs (or replacement of a totaled vehicle) up to your coverage limits.
Your Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) Motorist Coverage
While UM/UIM coverage is optional in Florida, policyholders must specifically opt out of this coverage. If you purchased UM/UIM coverage, this could be a financial lifesaver after your accident.
Depending on the details of your policy, your uninsured motorist coverage may pay for:
- Your medical expenses
- Passengers’ medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs
Coverage limits will determine how much compensation you can expect through UM/UIM coverage.
A Lawsuit Against the Liable Party
If you can identify the motorist who caused your accident in Broward County, you may sue them. Motorists accept this financial risk when they choose not to purchase and maintain valid auto insurance.
Uninsured motorist lawsuits can make sense when:
- Insurance coverage does not adequately pay for your losses.
- The at-fault party has the financial means to pay for your accident-related losses.
- The effort of filing a lawsuit is worth the potential financial reward.
Each accident, set of damages, and defendant profile is unique. Your Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will evaluate your circumstances and advise how to proceed.
Allow a Car Accident Attorney to Lead Your Case
Hiring a car accident lawyer can be wise even when all parties have insurance. When an at-fault motorist lacks valid insurance (or does not have enough insurance), you may have even more reason to hire a personal injury attorney—including:
- The financial risk of making the wrong decision: Car accidents are frequently costly, and you must make an informed decision about how to seek compensation for your damages. A lawyer will review all your options and provide sound, experience-based advice.
- The need for your insurer to provide fair compensation: If you are insured, your insurance provider likely owes you compensation. Your attorney will hold the insurer accountable for their policy and demand you receive a fair payout.
- The potential that you’ll need to sue: If your insurance does not adequately cover your accident-related losses, suing may be the best choice. You may have no experience with a lawsuit and may not have the time or energy to deal with the legal process. Having legal representation on your side will ensure you can sue if necessary.
You shouldn’t lose sleep over an insurance claim or lawsuit. Focus on your recovery while an attorney fights for the compensation you deserve.
Your Attorney Will Identify the Cost of Your Uninsured Motorist Accident
Your Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer will seek fair compensation for each of your recoverable damages, which may include:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- The cost of mental healthcare
- Lost income
- Diminished earning power
- Vehicle repairs
- Replacement of damaged personal property
Our attorneys consider our clients’ economic and non-economic damages when composing our settlement demands. We will identify exactly how much compensation you deserve and demand all the money you are entitled to.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today for Your Free Car Accident Consultation
Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers face a deadline for filing car accident lawsuits. Our legal team intends to secure the compensation you deserve from an uninsured motorist (and your insurance company), but we must gather evidence and file your case on time—so don’t wait to speak with our team.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today at (954) 633-8270 for your free consultation. Our law firm asks for no out-of-pocket compensation, and our lawyers only receive fees if they win your case.
