30 Apr The At-Fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance, Do I Still Have A Car Accident Case?
Sadly, Florida is one of few states that does not require drivers to carry bodily injury coverage. That means that Florida does not require drivers to carry auto insurance that will cover your damages in the event of a car accident. So, if you hear that the at-fault party does not have bodily injury coverage or, does not have any insurance at all, do you still have a car accident case? The answer: It depends.
CAN I GET MY MEDICAL BILLS PAID IF I AM HIT BY AN UNINSURED/ UNDERINSURED DRIVER?
Yes, you are very likely to get your medical bills paid to some extent if you have valid auto insurance. Why? It is because Florida requires that personal injury protection be carried by each driver. However, I say to some extent because personal injury coverage only covers 80% of your medical expenses up to $10,000. That means you could use personal health insurance to cover the balance or will have to pay the balance out of pocket. You can also use uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage if you elect to have it which we will discuss in more detail below.
CAN I SUE THE UNINSURED/ UNDERINSURED AT-FAULT DRIVER PERSONALLY?
“I’ll see you in court” is a common phrase that comes to mind when discussing this issue. But, so does, “it is hard to get blood out of a rock.” Yes, you can file suit against the uninsured/ underinsured at-fault party, However, if they do not have any collectible assets at that time, you may not be able to collect for an extensive period, if at all. But, if they do have collectible assets, you may be able to recover. It is important to contact a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your options.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?
Studies have shown that nearly 1 in 4 Florida drivers do not cary auto-insurance. The best way to protect yourself should the at-fault party not carry bodily injury coverage, or any coverage at all, is to purchase uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage can help to cover your damages should an accident occur and, as mentioned above, the at-fault party is uninsured/ underinsured. This coverage would be in addition to your personal injury protection coverage meaning you would still receive those benefits in addition to any uninsured/ underinsured coverage.
HOW CAN I GET MY CAR DAMAGES PAID FOR?
In Florida, drivers are only required to carry $10,000 in liability coverage. If the at-fault party does not have any coverage, or even the state minimum, that may not be enough to cover the damage to your vehicle. To protect yourself, it would be prudent to have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy to cover your property damages should an accident occur.
EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
I understand that the process after getting into a car accident can be difficult and stressful. You probably have a lot of questions and very few answers. Allow me to be there for you every step of the way. I offer a FREE no-obligation consultation and will review your accident claim with you personally at one of the office locations in Tampa, Zephyrhills, or Saint Pete. Cannot make it to me? I will come to wherever is convenient to you at NO charge. You deserve to be compensated and I want to get justice for you!
Contact Car Accident Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II TODAY at (813) 598-4868 for a FREE no-obligation consultation. I look forward to assisting you with your claim!
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