Tampa Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
If you own a vehicle in Florida, you know that you are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage to legally operate that vehicle on public roadways. Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state. In simple terms, that means if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you need to look to your own insurance company first for coverage of losses such as your medical bills and lost income.
In cases where an accident is caused by someone else’s negligence and results in “serious injury,” as defined by law, you can go beyond your no-fault coverage and file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver and any other responsible parties. A personal injury claim allows you to recover substantially more compensation than your no-fault insurance provides. But what if the other driver lacks insurance to cover your losses? The reality is that many drivers simply ignore the state’s insurance requirements–or they do have insurance, the coverage is far too little to pay for your losses.
A skilled Tampa uninsured motorist lawyer can advise you in these situations. Florin Gray is a team of dedicated Florida personal injury attorneys who have extensive knowledge and experience in handling car accident cases. Our lawyers can assist you in seeking additional coverage through your own insurance carrier, as well as taking steps to identify other potential sources of compensation for your accident-related injuries.
UM/UIM Coverage Can Protect You in a Hit and Run Accident
According to some estimates, as many as 1-in-4 Florida drivers do not carry any form of car insurance. Even those who carry the required no-fault coverage may not purchase additional coverage for liability, as it is not required by law. This means that if you are struck by a negligent driver, their insurance company may not be required to pay for any damages even if you do manage to secure a personal injury judgment against the driver.
This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help. You have the option of purchasing UM/UIM coverage when you purchase your standard no-fault policy. Essentially, with this coverage your insurance company assumes the financial responsibility of the negligent driver in paying for your damages. UM/UIM coverage can even protect you in the case of a hit and run accident where the other driver is never identified.
Beyond UM/UIM coverage, it is also important to note that a car accident may involve multiple potential defendants. Say you are hit by a reckless driver who is operating a vehicle on behalf of their employer. Under Florida law, the employer is vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employees. So even if the employee lacks sufficient insurance to pay for your damages, you could still pursue a potential judgment against the employer’s assets.
Don’t Delay, Call Florin Gray
The rules governing insurance and auto accidents in Florida can get quite complex, especially when issues involving UM/UIM coverage are involved. That is why it is important to work with a qualified Tampa uninsured motorist lawyer who can guide you through the process. If you have been injured in an accident today, contact Florin Gray to schedule a free consultation.
