What To Do if the At-Fault Driver Has Minimum Insurance Coverage in Florida
Car accidents aren’t just scary. They can turn your life upside down. Suddenly, you’re dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost paychecks, and a lot of stress. It’s even tougher in Florida when the person who caused the crash only has the bare minimum insurance. In Florida, the minimum required auto insurance limits are often not enough to fully cover the damages that come after a serious accident.
If you’ve been injured by a driver who only carries the minimum insurance coverage, understanding your legal options is crucial.
What Florida Requires for Car Insurance
Florida adheres to no-fault insurance rules. Every driver must have at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and another $10,000 for Property Damage Liability (PDL). However, most drivers aren’t required to buy Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage. So, if someone causes an accident, they might have little or no insurance coverage available to pay for your injuries and damages.
Start With PIP
Your PIP coverage should be your first source of compensation after a Florida car accident. This insurance typically covers 80% of your medical costs, 60% of your lost wages, and sometimes pays for certain replacement services. Nevertheless, PIP’s benefits may run out quickly, especially if your injuries are severe.
Check if You Have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help in such situations. Florida insurers are required to offer this coverage, but many drivers waive it by signing a form. If you have UM/UIM coverage, it can pay for things like medical costs, future treatment, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Identify Other Responsible Parties
Sometimes, the driver is not the only liable party. Other parties might share the blame, which could mean more avenues for compensation. This might include the driver’s employer, the car owner, trucking or rideshare companies, or even manufacturers if faulty parts were involved. A deeper investigation can uncover other insurance policies that apply to your claim.
Be Careful With Insurers
Insurers often rush to offer an early settlement, especially when policy limits are low. Adjusters often push victims to settle before they fully know how bad their injuries are or what future care will cost. Before agreeing to anything, ensure you review all your options. An early settlement might prevent you from pursuing additional compensation later.
Document Everything
Detailed records are crucial for your case. Save every medical bill, prescription receipt, proof of lost income, and photos of your injuries and damaged car. Additionally, keep track of all communication with the insurance companies. These details can help build a strong claim.
Talk to a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Cases involving minimal insurance coverage can get complicated. An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can investigate your accident, identify all available insurance policies, negotiate with insurers, and fight to secure the best possible outcome. Even if the other driver barely has insurance, you still have options, and an attorney can help you explore them.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured in a Florida accident involving a minimally insured driver, an experienced West Palm Beach car accident attorney at The Pendas Law Firm can help you understand your rights and explore every available source of compensation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Melbourne areas.