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Florida Uninsured Motorist Claim Help
Florida Uninsured Motorist Claim Help | Law Offices of Jason Turchin
Car accidents can be stressful enough, but when the driver responsible for the crash is uninsured or underinsured, recovering compensation for your injuries and damages becomes even more complicated. Fortunately, if you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we help clients across Florida navigate uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact us at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case.
What Is Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is an optional type of insurance that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have liability insurance. Florida law does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance, meaning many drivers on the road are uninsured. UM coverage can help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you are injured by an uninsured driver.
UM coverage can also apply in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or if the driver’s insurance company denies coverage or becomes insolvent.
What Is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some liability insurance, but their policy limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of your injuries and damages. If the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover all your expenses, your UIM coverage can make up the difference, up to the limits of your policy.
UIM coverage is essential for serious accidents where medical costs, lost wages, and other damages may exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.
UM vs. UIM Coverage: What’s the Difference?
While UM and UIM coverage serve similar purposes, they apply in different scenarios:
| Coverage Type | Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage | Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| When It Applies | The at-fault driver has no liability insurance. | The at-fault driver has liability insurance, but the policy limits are too low to cover all damages. |
| What It Covers | Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc., if the at-fault driver is uninsured. | Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc., if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient. |
| Typical Scenarios | Hit-and-run accidents, accidents with uninsured drivers. | Accidents with drivers who have low insurance limits that do not fully cover the victim’s damages. |
Both UM and UIM coverage are often crucial for protecting yourself financially in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Filing an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claim in Florida
If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you will generally need to file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM or UIM policy. Here are the steps to take when filing a claim:
- Seek Medical Attention: After the accident, consider getting medical treatment right away if you have pain. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured immediately, some injuries can take time to become apparent. Keep records of all your medical treatments, bills, and related expenses.
- Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible about the accident and your intent to file a UM or UIM claim. Provide them with details of the accident, the police report, and any relevant medical records. Don’t give a statement without an attorney.
- Gather Evidence: Document everything about the accident, including photos of the damage, contact information of witnesses, and details from the at-fault driver. All this information can be used to support your claim.
- Consult with an Attorney: Navigating an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim can be complicated, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. A Florida uninsured motorist lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Common Challenges in UM and UIM Claims
Even with UM and UIM coverage, insurance companies may present challenges in paying out your claim. Some of the common issues you may face include:
- Disputed Liability: Your insurance company may argue that the at-fault driver wasn’t entirely at fault for the accident or that they were not actually uninsured or underinsured.
- Policy Limits: If your damages exceed the limits of your UM or UIM coverage, you may not be fully compensated for your losses. A lawyer can help ensure you receive the maximum available compensation.
- Claim Denials or Delays: Insurance companies may try to deny or delay payment of your claim. In such cases, you may need to file a lawsuit to enforce your rights and hold the insurance company accountable.
Can You Sue for an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claim?
If your insurance company denies your claim or acts in bad faith by delaying or refusing to pay, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Florida law requires insurance companies to act in good faith when handling claims. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond your policy limits.
Why You May Need a Florida Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Filing a UM or UIM claim means dealing with your own insurance company. They may try to limit how much compensation you receive. A Florida uninsured motorist lawyer can guide you through the claims process. They can negotiate with the insurance company and file a lawsuit if needed to help you get the compensation you deserve.
An experienced attorney can assist with:
- Filing Your Claim: Ensuring that all required documentation is submitted properly and on time.
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company: Fighting to maximize your settlement, especially if the insurance company tries to minimize your claim.
- Pursuing Legal Action: If your insurance company denies your claim or acts in bad faith, your lawyer can take action. They can file a lawsuit to hold the company accountable.
Contact Our Florida Uninsured Motorist Lawyers for Help
If an uninsured or underinsured driver hit you in Florida, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help. We can guide you through filing a UM or UIM claim and work to recover the compensation you deserve. We have extensive experience handling uninsured motorist claims and know how to protect your rights.
Call us today at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature to speak with an agent. We work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any legal fees or costs unless we win or settle your case. Let us help you navigate your uninsured or underinsured motorist claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.