South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Florida motorists must purchase automobile insurance that provides at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage. PIP coverage is a no-fault coverage that provides compensation to motorists and qualified family members for certain accident-related medical expenses. Florida is a no-fault state, and insurance companies cover their policyholders in an accident. However, the law does not require motorists to purchase insurance to protect themselves when they are negligent. When someone is involved in an accident with a driver that does not have adequate protection, the victim may face significant challenges recovering for their losses.
To avoid potential significant financial burdens, motorists should purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) protection. Unlike several other states, Florida automobile insurance laws do not require motorists to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) protection; however, this coverage provides drivers, their passengers, and household family members, with additional financial security.
UIM protection is useful in cases where motorists are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver with inadequate insurance coverage. Further, this coverage protects policyholders in hit-and-run accidents, unknown vehicle collisions, or if the policyholder or their family members suffer injuries as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Florida motorists who want to purchase UIM coverage must adhere to specific automobile insurance laws and regulations. Individuals who wish to acquire UIM protection must purchase PIP coverage, and their UIM coverage cannot exceed their bodily injury coverage amount. Many individuals face difficulties when trying to buy or evoke their coverage, and they should discuss their claims with a Florida car accident attorney.
For example, recently, a state appellate court issued an opinion stemming from injuries a woman suffered in a car accident with an underinsured negligent driver. In that case, the plaintiffs purchased standard auto insurance and UIM coverage. A few years into their agreement, the plaintiffs increased their auto insurance limits, but the company did not provide them with an explicit opportunity to increase their UIM coverage. After the accident, the family filed a claim with their insurance company, arguing that their UIM coverage should have increased when they purchased additional standard coverage. The insurance company denied their claim, alleging that they did not need to provide coverage as supplements to a renewal. The court found that although they believe that as a good business practice, the insurance company should have provided them with an opportunity to increase their limits, ultimately, the insurance company did not have a statutory duty to offer increased UIM coverage.
Have You Suffered Injuries in an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Florida Driver?
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries in a Florida car accident, you should contact the attorneys at Friedman, Rodman & Frank, P.A. The Miami car accident attorneys at our law firm have extensive experience successfully handling claims against insurance companies on behalf of Florida injury victims. We understand the daunting complications that often arise when individuals are involved in accidents with uninsured and negligent drivers. These situations can cause financial ruin to injury victims and their loved ones. We work tirelessly on behalf of our clients to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve. Contact our office at 877-448-8585 to schedule a consultation with an attorney on our team.