Is Florida The Worst State To Experience A Car Accident?
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
A study released by WalletHub.com in January of 2018 had some pretty interesting findings in regards to being in a car accident in the state of Florida. The study found that Florida may be the worst state to find yourself in a car accident where your budget and finances are concerned, and this is mainly due to uninsured and underinsured motorists on the road. Naturally, the help of a St. Pete’s personal injury attorney will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve if you have been in a Florida car accident, and one should always be sought whether you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist or not.According to information from the Insurance Information Institute, a whopping almost 24% of Florida drivers are uninsured, accounting for the second highest rate of any state in the United States. Additionally, half of Florida motorists only carry the minimum amount of personal injury protection and property damage liability, adding up to $10,000 in coverage for each. Those who have been injured in a car accident know that the cost of injuries can extend far beyond the $10,000 threshold quickly, and even an injury as common as a broken bone requiring surgery can result in double that cost or more.
Florida PIP Insurance And Accident Costs
Florida is just one of a handful of states that requires PIP, or personal injury protection, coverage and observes no-fault insurance laws. This does have benefits, as well as drawbacks. With PIP coverage and a no-fault system, those who have been in an accident do not have to take their case to court in order to find fault, and compensation may be sought through one’s own insurance coverage provider.
Insurance, however, will only pay up to 80% of medical expenses within the coverage limit, and 60% of lost wages. With just about half of motorists only paying for minimum coverage, this means that coverage stops once costs reach above that $10,000 minimum. If injuries are severe or permanent, drivers may then seek out a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and resulting injuries.
How A Skilled Attorney Makes For A Better Experience
In the state of Florida, there are a lot of factors that go into getting a proper settlement after a car accident. While your insurance may cover your injuries, they’re also looking after their own bottom line. What this means is that your insurance provider will try to provide the least amount possible in the form of a settlement, and sometimes the least simply isn’t enough. The insurance company will be represented by a team of their own attorneys, which can leave those fighting it alone with not many other options than to take a low-ball offer. Your St. Pete’s personal injury attorney will be able to best represent your case in a way that gets you the settlement you need to reduce any financial stress. If you’ve been in an accident in the state of Florida, and you’re looking for the right representation to get you compensated, call us at TheStPeteLawyer.com today.