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 Car Accident Law Firm Of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers To Get The Help You Deserve
If you need help with your injury case or you want to learn more information, please call the Car Accident law firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 787-2500 or visit the nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation with our Tampa car wreck attorneys today.
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