Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but it can feel even more frustrating when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough (or any) insurance. If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes a crash in Jacksonville, you can either sue them or seek compensation for your losses through your insurance policy.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have legal avenues to seek compensation for your losses. One of our Jacksonville car accident lawyers can explain what options are available based on your policy and other details. A legal professional can clarify your options and determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.
What Types Of Insurance May Pay For An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have auto insurance, you may still have options for pursuing compensation through your insurance policies, such as:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Florida is a no-fault state, so all drivers must purchase PIP coverage. If you have a PIP policy, you can file a claim with your insurance carrier to get coverage for a portion of your medical bills and lost wages, generally up to $10,000.
You can generally only file a claim against the liable driver in a car accident if your damages exceed PIP’s limits due to severe injuries.
MedPay Coverage
MedPay is an optional insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses after a car accident, regardless of fault. If you have this coverage, it may help pay for medical expenses that PIP does not cover.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
UM/UIM coverage protects you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies when the other driver has no insurance.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when their policy limits aren’t enough to cover all your damages.
Florida does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies must offer it to those purchasing a policy. If you declined it when you first signed up, you might not have this protection. It’s a good idea to check your policy or speak with your insurance agent to see if you have UM/UIM coverage and understand its limits.
You can check your auto insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to see if you have UM/UIM coverage. If you’re unsure what your policy includes, your insurance company can provide a breakdown of your coverage limits and how they apply in the event of an accident.
If you carry UM/UIM coverage, you can file an insurance claim with your provider to help cover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.
What Damages Does UM/UIM Insurance Cover?
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for various expenses after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. These may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, and medications
- Ambulance transportation costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy, both inpatient and outpatient
- Lost wages if you need time off work to recover
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
- Property damage to your vehicle and any personal belongings inside
- Pain and suffering related to your injuries
- Most other reasonable accident-related costs
Since every policy is different, it’s best to review your coverage details to know exactly what’s included.
Does UM/UIM Coverage Apply To Hit-And-Run Accidents?
If the liable driver leaves the scene and cannot be identified, your UM/UIM policy may help cover your damages. Be sure to report the hit-and-run to law enforcement immediately, as some insurance companies require a police report to process a UM claim. We also recommend hiring a Jacksonville hit-and-run accident lawyer to explain your legal options and help you seek fair compensation.
What If My Insurance Company Denies My UM/UIM Claim?
Insurance companies sometimes deny or undervalue UM/UIM claims for various reasons. If this happens, your lawyer can review the denial letter and provide additional evidence to support your claim.
Understanding your policy’s terms and working with one of our personal injury lawyers in Jacksonville may help you navigate the claims process and explore other potential options for compensation.
Can I Still Get Compensation If I Don’t Have PIP, MedPay, Or UM/UIM Coverage?
If you don’t have PIP, MedPay, or UM/UIM coverage, you may have other insurance or legal options.
In some cases, you might be able to sue the liable driver, especially if they have valuable property or other financial resources. While collecting from an uninsured driver can be difficult, it’s not impossible.
The best way to determine your options is to work with a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer. They can evaluate your insurance policies and explain your best options for recovering compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Lawsuit In Florida?
Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally limits the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault driver to two years from the accident date.
Your insurance policy may also have deadlines, so reporting the accident and starting your claim as soon as possible is important.
What Should I Do If An Uninsured Driver Hit Me In Jacksonville?
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, you should generally take the same steps you would in any crash:
- If possible, pull your car to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot.
- Check yourself, passengers, and other motorists for injuries.
- Call 911 and ask the police and medical first responders to come to the scene.
- Accept medical treatment from the EMTs. If they recommend going to the hospital, do so.
- Document the scene with photos or videos.
- Collect contact information from the other driver and any eyewitnesses.
- Report the accident to your insurance provider.
- Continue getting medical treatment and follow your doctor’s plan carefully.
- Seek legal assistance from a Jacksonville car accident attorney.
Get Help Understanding Your Options After An Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Accident In Jacksonville
Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver after an accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about what insurance coverage may apply. Reviewing your policy and available options is a great starting point, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Our legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can answer your questions and help you understand how UM/UIM coverage or another policy may apply to your situation. A Jacksonville uninsured motorist accident lawyer from our team can review your case and discuss your options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
