Tips For St Pete Drivers On Protecting Yourself From Uninsured Motorists
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
Personal Injury
As a resident of St. Petersburg, you know that driving safely does not eliminate the risk of being injured by an uninsured motorist. Even if you follow every traffic law and take all recommended precautions, you can still end up the victim of someone else's negligence behind the wheel. Personal injury attorney Michael Babboni understands this risk. With decades of experience representing injury victims in St. Petersburg, Michael Babboni provides key insights to help you protect yourself financially and legally in the event an uninsured driver causes you harm. By reviewing key information about uninsured motorist coverage and your options after an accident with an uninsured motorist, you gain knowledge to prepare and protect yourself.Uninsured Motorists Are a Real Threat in St. Petersburg
Uninsured motorists pose a significant threat to drivers in St. Petersburg. According to reports, 14% of drivers in Florida lack mandatory auto insurance coverage, leaving many victims of accidents with uninsured drivers without means of compensation.
Lack of Insurance Coverage
A sizable portion of St. Petersburg drivers do not carry auto insurance for their vehicles due to rising premium costs. However, by law, all vehicles registered in Florida must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. Without this mandatory coverage, uninsured drivers cannot compensate accident victims for damages and injuries.
Protect Yourself with Uninsured Motorist Coverage
To protect yourself financially in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, you should carry uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage and uninsured motorist property damage coverage. This coverage acts as a safeguard by providing you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Given the prevalence of uninsured drivers in St. Petersburg, uninsured motorist coverage is essential to have.
Consult a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer
If you've been in an accident with an uninsured driver, consult an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer. Michael Babboni can help you pursue compensation through your own insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage. They can also investigate the details of the accident to determine if the other driver can be held liable in court for damages. With legal counsel, you can take action against irresponsible uninsured drivers and gain the financial recovery you deserve.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage) provides insurance protection if you or your passengers are injured or killed in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. In many states, including Florida, UM coverage is required. Even if not required, UM coverage is highly advisable.
How Does It Work?
UM coverage works similarly to liability coverage. If an uninsured driver causes an accident injuring you or your passengers, your own auto insurance will cover the costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. UM coverage also applies to hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene.
Why Do You Need It?
Unfortunately, many drivers operate vehicles without insurance. According to estimates, about 13% of drivers in Florida are uninsured. If one of these drivers hits you, without UM coverage you would have to pay costs out of pocket or file a lawsuit to recover damages. UM coverage protects you financially in these situations.
How Much Coverage Should You Buy?
Most experts recommend purchasing UM coverage limits that match your liability coverage limits. For example, if you have $100,000 in liability coverage per person, $300,000 per accident, you should consider $100,000/$300,000 in UM coverage. Higher limits, up to $500,000 per person and $1 million per accident, provide even greater financial protection.
Call a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer
If injured in an accident with an uninsured driver, call a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer for help after a crash. An attorney can help you file a UM claim to recover damages. They can also investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and potentially file a lawsuit against the other driver on your behalf. With the right representation, you have the best chance of gaining full compensation after an accident with an uninsured motorist.
The Benefits of Having Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage provides critical financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
Medical Expenses
Should you be injured in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage can help pay for any resulting medical bills, including emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy or rehabilitation. Without this coverage, you would be responsible for these costs out of pocket.
Vehicle Repairs or Replacement
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage provides coverage for damage to your vehicle from an uninsured driver. This can help pay for repairs or even replacement of your vehicle if it is totaled.
Compensation for Pain and Suffering
Uninsured motorist coverage also provides compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If injured by an uninsured driver, you may be able to recover damages for physical pain, disability, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life.
Peace of Mind
Carrying uninsured motorist coverage provides peace of mind that you and your family will have financial protection in the event of an accident with an irresponsible driver who lacks insurance. Though uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Florida, the relatively low cost of a policy can help ensure you are not burdened with exorbitant out-of-pocket costs from an accident that is not your fault.
Steps to Take After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
If you are involved in an automobile accident with a driver who does not have insurance, it is important to take certain measures to protect yourself. First, contact your insurance provider to file an uninsured motorist claim for both medical bills and property damage. Your uninsured motorist coverage will help pay for injuries and damage in the event the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Seek Legal Counsel
It is advisable to reach out to an attorney for guidance and support after such an accident. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for recovering costs. They can also handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf. When meeting with an attorney, be prepared to provide details about the accident, including photos of vehicles involved, contact information for witnesses, and medical records detailing any injuries.
Document Everything Thoroughly
Carefully document all details pertaining to the accident, including the time and location, vehicle and contact information for other drivers, license plate numbers, and insurance details if available. Take photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area where the crash occurred, and any visible injuries. Keep records of all medical treatment, including emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and doctor visits. These will be important for insurance claims and potential litigation.
Notify Your Employer
If your injuries prevent you from working, inform your employer as soon as possible. Your uninsured motorist coverage may provide lost wage benefits, so keep records of time missed from work. Your employer may require a doctor’s note if missing multiple days. Remaining in communication with your workplace throughout the process will help avoid confusion or penalty.
By following these recommended steps after an accident with an uninsured driver, you can work to recover costs and seek fair compensation for your losses. Your insurance, legal counsel, and thorough documentation will provide support for insurance claims and legal action when necessary. Be proactive in protecting your rights in this difficult situation.
Why You Need a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer if Hit by an Uninsured Motorist
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you financially in the event of an accident with a driver who lacks liability insurance. If injured in an accident in the St. Petersburg area, enlisting a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer with experience in uninsured motorist claims can help you pursue fair compensation.
Expertise in Complex UM Claims
Uninsured motorist claims often involve complex legal issues, requiring an attorney well-versed in Florida’s UM laws and procedures. An experienced St. Petersburg uninsured motorist accident lawyer can determine how much UM coverage you have, whether the at-fault driver’s vehicle qualifies as “uninsured,” and the proper steps to take in pursuing your claim.
Help Proving Liability and Damages
To recover UM benefits, you must show that the uninsured driver was at fault for the accident and the severity of your injuries. A St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer can help build a strong case by gathering evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, police reports, medical records, and bills to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence and substantiate your damages.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may dispute or undervalue UM claims, hoping claimants will accept less than full compensation. With an attorney on your side, insurance adjusters know your rights will be protected. Your St. Petersburg uninsured motorist accident lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement that accounts for all of your losses. If needed, they can also take your claim to court to maximize your recovery.
Peace of Mind During Recovery
The aftermath of a serious auto accident can be stressful and traumatic. Hiring a reputable personal injury firm allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your claim. An experienced St. Petersburg uninsured motorist accident lawyer has your best interests in mind and will work diligently to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.
As we have explored, uninsured motorists pose real risks in St. Petersburg. By understanding uninsured motorist coverage and seeking counsel from experienced personal injury attorneys like Michael Babboni, you can protect yourself financially and legally. Being informed and proactive will serve you well if the unfortunate occurs. With compassion and expertise, Babboni guides clients to just resolutions, restoring stability when it's needed most. Though the path is difficult, you don't have to walk it alone.
Related Content:
Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists | III
UM/UIM: What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorists big part of Florida's insurance crisis
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage - Allstate
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
What to Do If You're Hit by an Uninsured Driver - QuoteWizard
What To Do After Getting Hit by an Uninsured Driver
What to do if you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured ...