Orlando Uninsured Driver Accident Lawyer
Here’s a common scenario on Florida roads—one driver patiently waits at a stoplight or comes to a full stop at a stop sign, while another driver is distracted or in a hurry and hits the stopped vehicle from behind. The rear-ended driver may experience serious whiplash and significant vehicle damage. A visit to the doctor is likely necessary. The two drivers pull to the side of the road, and the at-fault driver looks panicked. When he’s asked for his insurance information, he says he doesn’t have any. So, what should you do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Florida? There is compensation available to you, but you need to know where to look. Our experienced Orlando uninsured accident lawyers can help, contact us today.
Should I Be Concerned About Getting Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Florida?
In a word—yes. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), Florida has the highest percentage of uninsured motorists in the country. At 26.7%, over a quarter of the drivers in Florida don’t have car insurance. Underinsured motorists are also very common here, as Florida is the only state that doesn’t require drivers to have bodily injury liability insurance. Because the number of uninsured and underinsured motorists in Florida is very high, it’s smart to carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of your car insurance policy, even though it’s not mandatory under Florida law.
What Should I Do If I’m Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, call the police, so you have an official report of the accident. The uninsured driver may try to offer you money, hoping to avoid penalties for driving without insurance. Don’t accept money from the uninsured driver, as it could compromise any claims you have arising from the accident. Also, gather as much information as possible from the scene of the accident, including driver contact information, witness contact information, vehicle make and model, vehicle damage, time and location, traffic signals, and anything else that may be relevant. Take pictures of the scene and all vehicles involved in the accident, as oftentimes this is the only opportunity to do so. Finally, call a Florida car accident lawyer who handles uninsured motorist accident claims.
How Can a Lawyer Help If I Was Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
After being hit by an uninsured motorist, you can make a claim with your own insurance company to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state, so many claims are handled through a driver’s own insurance company anyway. However, simply because you’re dealing with your own insurance company doesn’t mean you should take for granted that you’re going to get the maximum value of your claim. An attorney can help ensure the insurance company treats you fairly and pays you the full amount you’re due based on your insurance policy. There may be third-party claims for compensation you can pursue. An Orlando uninsured accident lawyer can identify other avenues of recovery available to you, as well. For more information about uninsured motorist accidents, please contact Israoui Law in Orlando. We’ll answer your questions during a free initial consultation.
