Clearwater Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

All Florida motorists must carry valid car insurance to cover the cost of any accidents they cause. Unfortunately, too many drivers pinch pennies by driving uninsured. So what happens when one of these drivers hits your car? What are your options for pursuing the money you need to cover the costs they’ve caused you?

Your first step is to turn to the experienced legal team at Zervos & Calta, PLLC. We understand how frustrating these situations can be. But we want you to know you have options – and we can help you pursue them. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Clearwater uninsured motorist accident lawyer and get started on your claim for free.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is supplemental insurance separate from your state-mandated insurance. For an additional dollar amount tacked onto your premiums, you can enroll in uninsured motorist (UM) coverage that protects you if you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist.

UM coverage can compensate you for medical expenses and lost wages that result from an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. It can also compensate you after a hit-and-run accident.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Florida?

Uninsured motorist coverage is optional in Florida and not required. Instead, it is supplemental coverage that you can add to your existing car insurance policy to give you additional protection.

Your insurance company is required to offer you uninsured motorist coverage, though. You can opt out of accepting this coverage in writing. But by refusing UM coverage, you cannot claim certain benefits if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene.

What Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover in the Event of an Accident?

Uninsured motorist coverage essentially replaces the policy an uninsured motorist should be carrying but isn’t. The specifics might depend on your individual policy. But in most cases, you can count on your UM coverage to compensate for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering from severe injuries

Are Uninsured Motorist Claims Common in Clearwater?

Unfortunately, the sad reality is that far too many Floridians don’t have the necessary insurance. A study by the Insurance Information Institute (III) ranked Florida among the country’s top 10 states with the highest number of uninsured motorists. Over 20 percent of Florida drivers are uninsured. That means if you’re in an accident in the Sunshine State, there’s a roughly one-in-five chance that the other driver won’t have insurance.

When Should I File an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

You should file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance policy likely requires you to notify them within a tight time frame to ensure coverage. Filing a claim beyond the time limit outlined in your insurance policy can result in your claim’s denial.

Delays can also cause other issues. Not filing a timely claim may lead an insurance adjuster to believe your injuries are not serious, causing them to undervalue your claim. They may even question the legitimacy of your claim.

If the insurance company does not honor its commitment to you, get in touch with an experienced attorney immediately. Not only can they even the playing field, but they can also explore other avenues for pursuing compensation.

Will PIP Cover Some of My Medical Bills?

Florida follows a no-fault car insurance model. In no-fault states, you turn to your own insurance provider for compensation after an accident – regardless of who caused the crash. Florida motorists must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Minimum PIP insurance typically pays injured drivers:

• 80 percent of crash-related medical costs
• 60 percent of their lost regular income
• Death benefits

Following a Florida car accident, your PIP coverage should help cover any necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to your policy limits.

What Happens If My Uninsured Motorist Coverage Does Not Cover All of My Damages?

Unfortunately, there are situations where uninsured motorist coverage may not cover the full cost of a collision. This situation is common in cases where an accident causes significant and traumatic injuries. In these cases, a victim’s medical expenses quickly exceed their policy limits. This can leave them struggling to pay the difference, causing financial hardship.

If you suffered serious injuries in a crash caused by an uninsured driver, you could also pursue a lawsuit against them directly. This could allow you to recover additional compensation beyond what’s provided by your UM policy. However, drivers often don’t carry insurance because of the financial expense. In other words, they might not have the assets to compensate you directly.

Seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit may be one option to recover the money you deserve if your insurance company does not cover all your financial losses. An experienced Florida car accident attorney can review your situation and outline the best ways to seek the compensation you need.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Case in Florida?

The Florida statute of limitations on personal injury claims sets the deadline to file a lawsuit against someone who caused your injuries. You have two years from the date of an accident to file. The sooner you get started on your case, the better.