An Experienced South Florida Car Accident Attorney Explains Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While car insurance may only come to mind for Florida drivers when it’s time to insure their vehicles or renew their policies, there’s an additional type of coverage to consider: uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM coverage). Although not mandated by Florida law, UM coverage can provide a crucial safeguard in the unfortunate event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Startling statistics reveal that Florida ranks among the top 10 states with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers. A staggering 20.4% of Florida’s drivers lack car insurance. That means nearly 1 out of 5 drivers on Florida’s roads are not adequately insured.

Are you wondering how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you and your loved ones? This blog, from an experienced Hollywood, FL car accident lawyer, explains UM coverage in Florida. Have you already sustained injuries due to another driver’s negligence? Contact our car accident lawyers at (800) 332-6436 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.

At Cohen & Cohen Law, we are here to be the experience you need and the representation you can trust.

What’s the Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured?

Knowing the difference between uninsured and underinsured drivers is essential for an accident victim navigating the aftermath of a car crash. As an experienced South Florida car accident attorney, I have represented numerous accident victims in cases involving these two types of drivers.

Uninsured Drivers

Uninsured drivers do not carry any form of auto insurance coverage. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, there is no insurance policy to provide compensation for damages or injuries you may have suffered.

Pursuing compensation for your injuries can be challenging in such a case.  Without insurance coverage, the uninsured driver may lack the financial resources to pay for your hospital visits, medical bills, property damage, and other losses. Can the uninsured driver be held liable for damages caused? When the other driver lacks liability coverage, seek the assistance of lawyers who can help you explore other avenues to recover damages from the auto accident from the at-fault driver, such as targeting their personal assets.

Underinsured Drivers

On the other hand, underinsured drivers carry auto insurance with insufficient coverage limits to fully compensate for the damages and injuries resulting from an accident. Florida only requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, which may not be enough to cover extensive medical costs and property damage.

For accidents involving an underinsured driver, your insurance policy’s underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) can take effect. UIM coverage helps bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance limits and the actual costs incurred due to the accident. It can provide the additional compensation you need to cover your healthcare bills, such as physical therapy, lost wages, and other damages beyond what the underinsured driver’s policy can offer.

Understanding the distinction between uninsured and underinsured drivers is crucial to protecting your rights and receiving fair compensation after a car accident in South Florida. Whether dealing with an uninsured driver or an underinsured driver, consult an experienced South Florida personal injury attorney to navigate the complex legal landscape and maximize your chances of receiving compensation for your pain, suffering, medical costs, and other expenses related to the incident.

What is UM Coverage and Why Do You Need It?

UM coverage addresses:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering caused by your personal injury
• Future loss of earning potential

However, it doesn’t cover damage to your car, something collision or comprehensive coverage addresses. Check your policy, and then reach out to your car insurance company to obtain UM coverage.

Who Does UM Coverage Protect?

Standard UM coverage policies generally extend to the policyholder’s spouse, relatives living with the policyholder, and passengers in the car during an accident. Of note, UM insurance follows insured individuals, regardless of the vehicle they are in or whether they are pedestrians or cyclists hit by a car. It protects all insureds, even in the case of a hit-and-run incident.

The Consequences of Not Having UM Coverage in Florida

In Florida, when the responsible driver is uninsured, you may be unable to seek compensation for your damages. Without uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, filing an insurance claim against the other driver to obtain an injury settlement becomes impossible.

However, you have the right to take legal action against the at-fault driver to recover the damages inflicted upon you as a result of their negligence. Don’t face this daunting task alone – seek the assistance of an experienced South Florida car accident attorney to pursue the at-fault driver’s personal assets.

How a Car Accidents Lawyer Can Help You If You’re Injured in a Car Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver

Being involved in a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver creates a complex situation best handled by a knowledgeable South Florida car accident attorney who has represented clients in similar situations, and can provide the help and guidance you need.

Cohen & Cohen Law focuses on car accident cases. We are here to assist you in understanding your rights and navigating the often complicated legal system. Our goal is to protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation.

One critical aspect we handle is determining who is responsible for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. Moreover, even if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, you may face resistance from your own insurance company. In over 50 years of experience, we’ve seen insurance companies try to deny or limit the amount our clients should rightfully receive. Thanks to our extensive experience dealing with these tactics, we know how to advocate for you.

Our law firm will carefully review your case and advise you on the best course of action. Whether it’s pursuing a claim or filing a lawsuit, we will guide you through the entire process. Our dedicated team will skillfully represent you, strategize according to your specific needs, and ensure that you receive proper compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim

For an accident victim filing a claim for a car crash, timing is everything. You have a two-year window, starting from the date of the accident, to act. Once this timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, expires, you cannot file a claim or seek compensation for damages.

To ensure a smoother experience and secure your right to receive compensation, contact a South Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident so you can maintain the freshness of the evidence, address financial burdens such as lost income and medical bills, and expedite the collection of damages.

Have You Sustained an Injury in a Car Accident? Contact Cohen & Cohen Law to Speak with a South Florida Car Accident Attorney

A car crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver requires the knowledge and skill of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Broward County. At Cohen & Cohen Law, our family-based firm prides itself on being accessible and compassionate. We understand the importance of having strong legal representation from the start. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, we will handle all communication with your insurance company to help you receive the appropriate compensation for your injuries sustained in the auto accident. We also have the knowledge and resources to file a lawsuit on your behalf against the responsible driver, if necessary.

Contact us at (800) 332-6436 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Cohen and Cohen Law
4000 Hollywood Blvd penthouse 705s
Hollywood, FL 33021
(800) 332-6436
https://cohenandcohenlaw.com