Tampa Uninsured Driver Accident Lawyer
Like most states, Florida requires you to have auto insurance before driving your vehicle. The minimum requirements vary by state, but for Florida, it’s $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage liability (PDL). Some drivers buy additional insurance as well, such as bodily injury liability and uninsured motorist insurance.
Uninsured motorist insurance may be an important coverage to have. While drivers are legally required to have auto insurance, not all do. Some will go to great lengths to avoid it. In fact, Florida leads the country in the number of uninsured drivers.
Being involved in a car accident in which all the parties have adequate insurance can be complicated enough. A Tampa uninsured driver accident lawyer from Franco Law Firm can help you understand the next steps.
Use Your PIP
If you meet the state minimum requirements for auto insurance, you should have PIP insurance, which will allow you to recover some compensation after a car accident. However, under state law, you must receive medical care within 14 days of the accident. PIP insurance covers:
- 80% of medical costs related to the accident
- 60% of lost wages
- $5,000 for death benefits
PIP insurance covers you, relatives living in your home, those driving your car with permission, and passengers who do not own a vehicle.
Use Uninsured Motorist Insurance
While uninsured motorist insurance is not required in Florida, it is good to have for situations like these. If you can prove the other driver was at fault, your uninsured motorist insurance will pay your claim. You can set your limits for coverage, but ideally, it should equal your personal liability insurance limits.
File a Lawsuit
If your insurance coverage is not enough to cover all your medical expenses, then your last resort is to file a lawsuit against the liable party. You can do so if you can prove that the driver is negligent.
However, keep in mind that most uninsured motorists avoid buying insurance due to a lack of income. Therefore, suing the person may not be beneficial, since they likely lack assets. You won’t get money from someone who has none to give.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Claims involving insurance issues can be complicated, which is why having a lawyer on your side is the best bet. An attorney can handle the correspondence and negotiation with your insurance company while you focus on physically recovering from your injuries.
If you have suffered severe injuries, you likely have also suffered emotional damages such as pain and suffering and a diminished quality of life. It’s very difficult to get compensated for these non-tangible items on your own, which is why a lawyer can be helpful.
Contact Franco Law Firm Today
Dealing with an uninsured driver can be complicated. A personal injury lawyer can assess your case and provide you with the help you need.
See how Franco Law Firm can help you get compensation after a serious car accident. We’ll help you understand your options. Schedule a free consultation with our Tampa uninsured driver lawyer by calling (813) 872-0929 or filling out the online form.
