Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
It is distressing to be involved in a car wreck, and matters can become even more complicated when the accident involves one or more uninsured drivers. In the state of Florida, insurance requirements are in place, but that doesn’t mean everyone follows the rules.
When you need an expert to guide you through the legal aspects of holding an uninsured motorist responsible, talk to a Clearwater criminal lawyer. Attorneys are available to listen carefully to your story. Then, they will talk to you about legal repercussions and how you may be able to obtain financial relief through personal insurance options like Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
Determining Liability and Access Insurance Coverage
Every driver in Florida should have auto insurance, but it is well known that not everyone complies with this mandate. Uninsured drivers leave innocent parties vulnerable in the event of an accident. While it is possible in some situations to hold an uninsured motorist financially responsible for an accident, recovery will depend on the details of the case.
Because the state operates under a no-fault insurance system, each party’s insurance covers their own medical expenses and damages after many collisions. PIP is designed to give accident victims smooth, fast access to a degree of financial relief, regardless of who is at fault. PIP covers a portion of expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Often accidents with an uninsured motorist lead to injured parties leaning on their own PIP coverage.
That said, there are exceptions. If an accident results in serious injuries, significant damages, or meets other criteria outlined in Florida law, legal action against the uninsured motorist may be pursued.
Additionally, some Florida drivers have an added layer of protection because their auto insurance policy includes UM coverage. This means financial protections kick in when the at-fault party is either uninsured or underinsured, helping an injured party cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. UM can be a valuable resource in situations involving an uninsured driver.
When Personal Injury Legal Action is Possible
If you are concerned that your PIP and UM coverage limits will prohibit you from becoming whole after a Florida accident, have your case reviewed by a seasoned injury professional. When specific criteria is met, legal avenues allowing you to seek compensation for extensive medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages resulting from the accident can be explored.
Talk to a Clearwater criminal lawyer about who can be held accountable for your accident-related expenses. Determining liability, utilizing your own PIP coverage, leveraging uninsured motorist coverage, and, if necessary, pursuing personal injury legal action are steps to take to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Will you need support beyond what is offered by your PIP policy? Dealing with the stresses of recovering from an accident involving an uninsured motorist can be daunting, but when you connect with the legal team at King Law Group you can move forward informed of your legal options and aware of what financial resources are available. Schedule your free consultation today.
