Lake Worth Attorneys for Underinsured Motorist Accident Victims in Florida
Nearly all drivers understand that they should ask the other driver for their insurance information after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The path forward is much less clear when it becomes apparent that the other driver does not have proper insurance coverage, or is not insured at all. In these cases, it is important to consult with an attorney who specializes in uninsured & underinsured motorist accidents before agreeing to any offer from the insurance company. Our Florida uninsured driver accident lawyers at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. can help you evaluate your uninsured or underinsured motorist accident case.
The insurance company is highly motivated to settle your claim for the lowest possible amount. Agreeing to accept an amount from the insurance company can foreclose other potential avenues of recovery. Our attorneys will explore possible ways to protect your right to be fully compensated for injuries sustained in an accident that a negligent driver caused, even if that driver failed to maintain the legally mandated level of insurance coverage. We are dedicated to helping members of the Florida community receive full and fair compensation in personal injury cases caused by negligent or reckless drivers, and we offer a free initial meeting to discuss your options in all cases.
Florida Insurance Requirements for Drivers
Florida insurance law imposes a duty on all drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage of:
- $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP).
- $10,000 in property damage insurance.
Unfortunately, many drivers in Florida opt to violate the state’s legal requirements and drive with no insurance at all. Alternatively, purchasing only the bare minimum required insurance coverage can result in a situation where the at-fault driver is underinsured in the case of a car accident that causes severe injuries or property damage.
Attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright Work to Protect Clients’ Rights After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, several options exist for recovering compensatory damages, despite the at-fault party’s lack of insurance coverage. Because Florida is a no-fault state, injured individuals first look to their own insurance policies for compensation. Assuming that your own insurance coverage is insufficient relative to the severity of the injuries and damage, and the coverage of the at-fault party is also insufficient, the following options may be available to secure adequate compensation for the injured party:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: When an individual purchases bodily injury liability insurance, the policy will include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in the same amount as the bodily injury liability coverage that is purchased. This coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver is either underinsured or uninsured, and it must be contained in the insurance policy, unless the insured individual specifically waived this coverage.
- Combining Policies: In some cases, an injured party may be covered in some way by more than one insurance policy. For example, two policies insuring two different cars. Some policies may allow each policy to be accessed for injuries resulting from the same accident.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit: It is possible to pursue a claim for compensatory damages against the uninsured or underinsured motorist directly. In many cases, however, this can be difficult because these drivers frequently have insufficient assets or resources to satisfy a monetary judgment for damages. In some cases, the court can order a payment plan, or a plan can be negotiated without resorting to trial. Because UM coverage usually does not compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or simple inconvenience, a personal injury lawsuit may be the only avenue to recovering these types of damages.
Our Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers Provide Personalized Support to Car Accident Victims
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our legal representation is always smart, insightful, and thorough. We also strive to bring a level of humanity into our legal practice. Our clients represent more than just a paycheck to us, and we prove this by offering personal support to our clients and to the local community as a whole. If you have been involved in an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident and have questions about your rights, contact our offices at 561-898-0497, or toll-free at 888-888-3903, to schedule a free consultation today. We have our main office located at 813 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as an office in Pompano Beach, Florida. You can also fill out this online form, and one of our underinsured car accident attorneys in FL will reach out to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accidents
Yes. Uninsured motorist coverage typically also applies to certain family members of the individual who was insured. It may also apply if your child was injured by an underinsured or uninsured motorist while walking, playing outdoors, or riding his or her bicycle.
Bodily injury liability insurance is a type of insurance that is designed to compensate others for injuries sustained in a car accident that was caused by your negligence. This type of insurance is optional in Florida, and it is often purchased in order to protect drivers against personal injury lawsuits that are brought against them. This type of insurance covers only individuals who are not otherwise covered by your state-mandated insurance coverage.