Being hit by an uninsured driver in St. Petersburg, Florida, can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. Medical bills, time off work, and car repairs can add up quickly, and without insurance coverage on the other side, you may feel like you have nowhere to turn. If you need help, reach out to Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 787-2500.
Our St. Petersburg uninsured motorist claims lawyers understand the stress and frustration that follow an accident with an uninsured motorist and are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist
An accident with an uninsured motorist in St. Petersburg, Florida, could leave you to bear the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
With over 60 years of combined experience and 200 million recovered for our clients, the team at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can handle all aspects of your uninsured motorist claim, including:
- Investigating the cause of your uninsured motorist accident
- Gathering accident reports, medical records, and other evidence
- Valuing your economic and non-economic damages
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and retaining experts
- Filing uninsured motorist claims and lawsuits, if necessary
- Negotiating uninsured motorist claim settlements
Schedule a free consultation with a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a type of car insurance coverage that protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have any liability insurance. It can also apply in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
UM coverage typically helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you would normally seek from the at-fault driver. Having this coverage can make a difference when you or a loved one is injured due to someone who failed to carry insurance.
Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protect Me Against a Hit-and-Run Accident in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage typically protects you if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident. A hit-and-run driver is often treated as an uninsured motorist under Florida law because their identity and insurance information cannot be determined.
This means your UM policy may cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering after a hit-and-run crash. Be sure to report your accident to the police immediately and notify your insurance company to preserve your right to file a claim.
Does Florida Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Florida does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. However, insurance companies must offer it when you purchase a policy, and you must sign a waiver if you decline it. Including UM coverage on your policy is typically a smart idea, given the high number of uninsured drivers on Florida roads. You could be left paying out of pocket after an accident that was not your fault without it.
Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage Impact My Uninsured Motorist Claim in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage plays a role in uninsured motorist claims. PIP is required under Florida law and provides no-fault insurance that covers a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident, regardless of who caused it. Under Florida’s no-fault system, your PIP coverage pays these benefits up to your policy limits.
However, PIP coverage is limited and often does not fully compensate you for serious or permanent injuries. Uninsured motorist coverage may step in to help cover the remaining costs and certain non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, once your PIP benefits are exhausted.
What Should I Do After An Accident Involving An Uninsured Motorist in St. Petersburg, Florida?
It is important to act quickly to protect your health and legal rights after an accident with an uninsured driver. Taking the right steps can significantly affect your ability to recover potential compensation. You should be sure to:
- Check for injuries and call 911: Ensure everyone is safe and request emergency medical assistance.
- Report the accident to the police: A police report will serve as an official record of the crash and is essential for your claim.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not immediately appear. Prompt treatment also documents your injuries.
- Notify your insurance company: Let your insurance company know you were in an accident involving an uninsured motorist. You should have immediate access to benefits and compensation for certain medical expenses and lost wages.
- Contact a St. Petersburg uninsured motorist claims lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you understand your coverage, file an uninsured motorist claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Following these steps can help ensure you are fully protected medically and legally after an uninsured motorist accident.
Involved in an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist? Contact a St. Petersburg Uninsured Motorist Claims Lawyer Today
Dealing with the aftermath of a crash caused by an uninsured motorist in St. Petersburg, Florida, can be incredibly stressful, especially when you are unsure how you will afford your medical bills or lost income. Fortunately, you do not have to go through it alone.
Contact the St. Petersburg uninsured motorist claims lawyers at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Learn how we can help you move forward.