Bradenton Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Lawyer
When you get hit by another driver, you have the right to file a civil personal injury lawsuit against them in order to receive financial compensation. Often, the damages an injured party incurs are great, especially when significant physical injuries are present. In Florida, the financial toll of auto collisions comes to over $3 billion annually when medical costs and work-related losses are included, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The average settlement or traffic collision lawsuit is anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For the most serious injuries or death, a lawsuit may be worth in the millions of dollars. Yet, in Florida only $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) are needed to drive legally. PIP insurance only covers the occupants of the other vehicle and PDL coverage only applies to the damage of your vehicle. You can see that even if a motorist is insured, there may be nothing left to cover your injuries and pain and suffering. For this reason, purchasing uninsured motorist coverage, or UM coverage, may be a wise option. Contact an experienced Bradenton uninsured & underinsured motorist lawyer today.
23.8 Percent of Florida Drivers Do Not Have Insurance
Florida also has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation, ranking second after only Oklahoma, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The national average for drivers without insurance is 12.6 percent, while 23.8 percent of Florida drivers do not have insurance. While it is possible to sue an individual for their personal assets, these will generally be very small, as those who do not have insurance usually do not own a home or any other valuable property. Another route to go is to find out whether the negligent party was within the course and scope of their employment at the time of the crash. If so, you may be able to sue their employer. However, purchasing uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can be a good step to take in order to safeguard yourself and your family in the event of a collision.
When Can UM Coverage be Applied?
UM coverage can be used in a variety of scenarios and by anyone in your family. For example, it covers you and your family members whether they were drivers or passengers in your vehicle as well as if they were drivers or passengers in another vehicle. It covers you and your family members as pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists as well. Additionally, it covers all of your non-family member passengers. UM coverage can be applied towards medical expenses, lost wages, and disease stemming from the auto collision.
Call The Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage Lawyers of The Pendas Law Firm Today to Find Out Which Policy is Right For You
Contact one of our Bradenton uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage lawyer today at the Pendas Law Firm to discuss the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage policy that matches your needs. We will aggressively advocate on your behalf.
