Does FL Require Bodily Injury Coverage?
Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and other unlawful acts can lead to serious injuries and leave victims facing expensive medical bills, missed income, and long-term recovery needs. When this occurs, many people expect insurance coverage to step in.
However, Florida’s insurance requirements often surprise victims, especially when they learn that the state does not require drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage. Understanding how this affects compensation is important, particularly for anyone seeking to heal physically and financially after a crash. Legal support from a Clearwater criminal lawyer can help you hold illegal drivers accountable and secure compensation.
Insurance Requirements and Illegal Driving
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. PIP provides up to $10,000 in coverage for medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. While this can help with initial care, it is rarely enough when injuries are severe. Emergency room visits, physical therapy, surgery, and future care costs can quickly exceed policy limits, leaving victims unsure where to turn next. This is where bodily injury coverage would typically come in, if the at-fault driver purchased it.
BIL pays for another person’s injuries when the policyholder causes an accident. But unlike many states, Florida drivers are not required to carry BIL insurance. If the at-fault driver has it, a victim may be able to pursue compensation. Unfortunately, when a negligent or unlawful driver lacks this coverage, obtaining fair financial relief becomes more challenging. This is why uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy is valuable as it can provide an additional avenue for recovery.
Collisions often occur when someone violates traffic laws. A driver may run a red light, text behind the wheel, or drive under the influence, and these actions can serve as evidence of negligence. When an at-fault driver’s behavior amounts to criminal conduct, such as DUI, this does not automatically mean compensation will follow, but it strengthens a civil claim. While the criminal court focuses on punishment, the civil claim focuses on making the victim whole. These are separate processes, and having guidance during both can alleviate confusion.
Attorneys Know How to Review the Details of a Crash
A Clearwater criminal lawyer can help in several ways. An attorney can examine police reports, speak with witnesses, and collect evidence to prove fault. They can also assess all available insurance policies, including PIP, BIL, and umbrella policies, to determine the best path for recovery.
Healing after an accident is a financial process as much as a physical one. Bills arrive while you are trying to recover, and insurance adjusters are not always quick to cooperate. With a lawyer, you can focus on medical treatment while someone protects your rights, builds your case, and fights for compensation that supports your long-term wellbeing.
Were you struck by a reckless driver? When an accident stems from illegal driving behaviors, accountability matters. Connect with the attorneys at King Law Group. Reach out and schedule a confidential consultation today.