5 Things To Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver in Florida
Being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver can cause fear, confusion, and uncertainty. While Florida requires drivers to carry insurance, many motorists do not abide by this rule. Florida has been ranked seventh in the country for uninsured drivers, with 20.6% of motorists lacking coverage. This means your chances of being involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Florida are greater than in many other states.
If you find yourself in an accident with an uninsured driver in Florida, here are some of the steps to take;
- Contact the Police and Report the Accident
The first and most vital step after an accident with an uninsured driver in Florida is calling the police and reporting the accident. This is a vital step after any car accident, especially when the other driver does not have insurance. The police officers who respond to the accident will conduct a preliminary investigation and prepare a report that will serve as official documentation of the incident. This report may be vital for filing an insurance or legal claim in the future.
- Obtain Immediate Medical Attention
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Motorists are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers a portion of medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident, regardless of fault. However, according to Florida law, for you to recover PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. Seeking prompt medical attention is also vital in case you pursue legal action against the at-fault driver in the future. Ensure you seek medical attention regardless of how minor your injuries seem.
- Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
If your condition allows you, gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene, including the following;
- Pictures of the involved vehicles, damage, license plates, and the surrounding scene
- Pictures of any visible injuries
- Names and contact numbers of any witnesses
- The name and contact information of the other driver
Even if the other driver does not have insurance, getting their name and contact information can help support your case. However, if the other driver does not have insurance, they may not be very cooperative. If they refuse to cooperate, let the police handle the situation.
- Contact Your Insurance Company
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is not a requirement in Florida, but it is highly recommended. If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company and seek compensation. However, whether you have UM coverage or not, contacting your insurance company is a good idea. Your insurer can assess your policy and determine what coverage you can access.
- Contact an Attorney
Cases involving uninsured drivers can be complicated. Insurers may try to minimize payouts or deny your claim. A skilled Florida car accident attorney can review your insurance policy, help you file a PIP and/or UM claim, negotiate with your insurance company, and explore additional avenues to pursue compensation. For instance, you may be able to sue the at-fault party personally. An attorney can help determine if it is worth doing so.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver, our Orlando car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you deal with the aftermath. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Naples, Melbourne, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Source:
news4jax.com/news/local/2025/03/13/study-says-1-in-3-us-drivers-are-uninsured-or-underinsured/#:~:text=Florida%20ranks%20seventh%20in%20the%20nation%20for%20uninsured%20motorists%2C%20with%2020.6%25%20of%20drivers%20lacking%20coverage.