Are you looking for Hire Fort Myers Lawyer for Car Accident Insurance Coverage. Visit Our Office
Fort Myers car accident insurance coverage includes both required policies and optional policies that could benefit you following an accident. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that nearly 27 percent of Florida’s drivers do not have the mandatory coverage required under state law. This is one reason why having car insurance coverage explained is so important.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the required types of car insurance coverage in Fort Myers include:
- $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) no-fault coverage
- $10,000 in property damage liability coverage
Alternatively, drivers can choose to provide self-insurance. However, this is rare, Motorists who drive without this mandatory coverage could face legal penalties if caught and civil and financial concerns if they are involved in an accident.
Understanding Personal Injury Protection Policies
PIP coverage is required of all drivers in Florida, thanks to the state’s no-fault auto accident laws. This is car accident coverage that pays out to cover certain basic expenses and losses experienced following a collision, regardless of who caused it.
Under the minimum policy required by law, those who file a PIP claim can receive:
- Up to 80 percent of their medical care costs and related expenses
- Up to 60 percent of their lost income for work missed because of their injuries
- Some additional compensation related to accident-related expenses
- $5,000 in benefits for the estate if the policyholder passed away from their injuries
These policies generally have a $10,000 limit and will not cover any expenses beyond this limit. However, you can opt for additional coverage that will pay 100 percent of your treatment and care costs and 80 percent of your lost wages.
Some people may also choose to pay more for a plan that includes a reduced deductible following an accident. Not all insurance companies offer these extended PIP policies or other options.
Liability Car Insurance Coverage Explained
Florida law also requires all Fort Myers drivers to carry liability insurance for damages they cause to another driver’s vehicle and any other property.
This is a key distinction when thinking about liability coverage. It is always fault-based and pays out to the victim of an accident you caused. If you do not have this insurance coverage, you could be responsible for paying for their losses out of your own pocket.
While liability coverage for property damage is mandatory, Florida does not require the same coverage for bodily injury. This would pay for the victim’s medical treatment if they suffered injuries serious enough that they qualified to step outside the Florida no-fault system.
Options for Additional Insurance Coverage
There are several other types of car insurance coverage available that you may want to consider. These include:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Because so many drivers fail to carry insurance coverage in Florida, having an uninsured motorist policy is a good idea. This policy would cover your losses if the driver who hit you did not have liability insurance.
Collision Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage
Collision and comprehensive coverage are two types of property damage policies that cover damage to your own vehicle. Collision coverage pays out when the damages occurred in an accident with another car. In contrast, comprehensive coverage pays for other types of incidents that caused damage, such as a hailstorm, flood, or falling tree.
Umbrella Policies
Umbrella insurance generally covers very specific situations or types of accidents. One of the most common reasons people invest in umbrella policies is to cover their recreational toys, such as boats or off-road vehicles.
Working with a Accident Lawyer
If you have questions about Fort Myers car accident insurance coverage after a collision, you may want to seek guidance from a Fort Myers car accident lawyer. An attorney with our firm can help you understand your rights and the options you have for pursuing coverage based on the details of your accident, injuries, and property damage.
There are time limits for taking an at-fault driver to court if you need to do so to recover fair compensation. Let a legal team help you understand your circumstances when it comes to getting the compensation you need to pay medical bills, repair your vehicle, and cover lost wages.
Reach Out to Our Team Today About Your Accident
If you suffered significant injuries in a Fort Myers collision, your PIP policy might not cover many of your losses. A Fort Myers car accident lawyer with the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato may be able to represent you and seek a fair and just settlement on your behalf.
Our caring and attentive team gives law firms a good name. Call us now at (954) 633-8270 for your free consultation
