Mark Roman | September 8, 2021 | Car Accidents
Florida has a high car accident rate compared to other states. This is one of the reasons the state enacted its no-fault laws for auto insurance and auto accidents.
Under the no-fault system, you must first file a claim with your own insurance to recover compensation after a car accident — regardless of who caused your accident. Florida requires its drivers to purchase a minimum amount of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This insurance compensates you for medical bills and lost wages (up to your policy limits)
You can also file a claim against the party who caused your accident if your injuries qualify as “serious” under Florida law. An attorney can help you determine if your injuries and losses meet the criteria for a separate claim.
Unfortunately, some drivers ignore state law and drive without insurance. You may wonder what you can do if an uninsured driver causes your accident.
What Happens When You’re Involved in an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist in Tampa
Seeking compensation after a car accident involving an uninsured driver can be challenging. The method may vary depending on the circumstances. Your lawyer will review the details of your case to determine the proper way of pursuing compensation.
You might consider the following options:
Suing the Other Motorist
If a driver doesn’t have insurance, you can sue them directly to obtain money for your damages. However, many drivers choose to go without insurance because they can’t afford it. Therefore, the at-fault driver may not have enough assets to compensate for your losses.
Negotiating With Your Insurer
As mentioned above, your PIP insurer is responsible for paying your damages after a car accident — even if the accident involved an uninsured driver.
There are many reasons to hire a car accident attorney in Tampa after a collision. Insurance companies often deny or undervalue claims to maximize their profits. They may accuse you of failing to mitigate your damages after the accident or blame you for the crash.
Your lawyer will know how insurance companies work. They will challenge an insurer’s attempts to lowball you or deny your claim. Additionally, your attorney will account for all applicable losses when determining how much compensation you should seek.
It’s also worth noting that your policy might include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage provides additional benefits in the event of an accident with an uninsured motorist. You’ll be much more likely to recover compensation if you’re able to file an uninsured motorist claim.
Going to Court
Suppose your insurer refuses to compensate you after a crash with an uninsured motorist. In this case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the insurer to pursue damages in court, especially if you believe your coverage applies to the accident.
Cases involving uninsured motorists are complex. A number of factors can influence their outcomes. You need strong legal help in these circumstances to boost your odds of receiving a fair payout.
Contact the Clearwater Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have five convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442