Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

Overview of Florida Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

AccidentClaim

According to the Insurance Research Council, about 12.6 percent of motorists in the United States lack automobile insurance coverage. This means that you have a one in eight chance of getting into an accident where a negligent driver is not adequately insured.

When this happens, you are exposed to suffering serious injuries and being stuck holding the bag for all of your harms and losses. Fortunately, there is a way to mitigate this risk by carrying sufficient uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage through your own auto insurance policy.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you against accidents that occur when the at-fault driver has absolutely no insurance, or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) deals with instances where the limit of the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your losses. 

Unique Coverage

These two types of insurance coverages are unique because your own auto insurance company effective steps into the shoes of the negligent driver. This means a claims adjuster from your auto insurance company will be assigned to the case and they will treat your claim just as if it was filed by a third party. This can be surprising to some drivers since they have paid premiums for years and yet their own insurance company is putting up a fight offering a fair and reasonable settlement of your claim.

Initially, uninsured motorist coverage was made to cover only bodily injury. However, some states have extended it to cover property damage. When dealing with property damage, the limit is usually low. The property damage doesn’t extend to vehicles with collision insurance. 

Who Is Covered by UM/UIM Policies

The people covered by an uninsured motorist coverage are the insured and members of their family covered by the policy itself. The coverage also extends to people who were in the vehicle when the accident occurred. In an instance where the insured dies in the accident, the spouse would be entitled to coverage under the policy. 

Exclusion of Workers from UM/UIM coverage

Generally, employees are entitled to coverage under an uninsured motorist policy. However, in instances where there is a workers’ compensation claim, the employee would not be entitled to coverage. The reason for this is that the workers’ compensation claim has already taken care of the loss suffered by the employee.

However, UM/UIM coverage covers injuries that aren’t compensated under a workers’ compensation claim. An example is damages for pain and suffering. 

Speak to an Orlando Personal Injury Attorney Today

As you can see, insurance coverage after a serious accident can get complicated very quickly, especially when the negligent driver who hit you lacks sufficient coverage. This is where the car accident lawyers at the Pendas Law Firm can be of tremendous assistance to you and your family. Contact our office today for a free case review. The firm represents clients in the Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach and Bradenton areas.

Resource:

insurance-research.org/sites/default/files/downloads/IRC%20UM_NewsRelease_1.pdf

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
  • Previous
  • Next
 

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Florida Personal Injury Offices

Skip footer and go back to main navigation