Palm Beach Gardens Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Like all other states in the country, Florida law requires all motorists to purchase minimum amounts of auto insurance. Unfortunately, many people do not want to bear the cost of paying insurance premiums and so, they simply do not. These motorists still continue to drive and sometimes, they are involved in an accident. When uninsured drivers act negligently and cause a crash, the aftermath is even more complex for victims and it can be very difficult for them to obtain the maximum compensation they deserve.
Fortunately, state law still does provide you with some options for obtaining the damages you need. Below, our Palm Beach Gardens uninsured motorist accident lawyer explains more.
The No-Fault Insurance Laws in Florida
Florida is one of many states that has no-fault insurance laws. Unlike other states, such as Pennsylvania, obtaining no-fault insurance in the Sunshine State is mandatory and there is no other option. Under these no-fault insurance laws, all motorists must purchase at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). The first step accident victims must take to obtain compensation is to file a claim with their own insurer to obtain PIP benefits. As such, this coverage can allow accident victims to obtain some compensation after a crash.
Most people do not purchase more than the minimum amount of PIP coverage. Once you have exhausted your PIP benefits, you may find they are not enough to fully cover the cost of your injury.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida
Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Florida, but it is important for all drivers to purchase it. Florida ranks second in the country for uninsured drivers and studies have shown that one in four drivers do not carry the proper amount of insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage can provide additional compensation if you have purchased it and have exhausted all of your PIP benefits. It is important that the amount of uninsured motorist coverage you purchase is equal or greater than the amount of PIP coverage you carry.
Filing a Claim Directly Against the Negligent Driver
Regardless of whether you carry uninsured motorist coverage or not, you may be able to file a claim directly against the negligent driver. Even if they do not have proper insurance, you may still be able to file a claim against them directly. In these cases, it is important to remember that if a driver does not carry proper insurance as outlined by state law, they may not be able to afford the damages you pursue through a personal injury claim.
Our Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens Can Advise You of Your Legal Options
It is incredibly frustrating to learn that the negligent driver who hit you does not have proper insurance to protect you. At Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather, our Palm Beach Gardens uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you through the complex aftermath so you obtain the fair compensation you need. Call or text us now at 561-500-HELP or chat with us online to schedule a free review of your case.