Florida is Considered the Worst State to Get in a Car Accident says Study
A study released January by WalletHub.com, names Florida the worst state in the nation to get in a car accident, at least where your wallet is concerned. Because of high percentages of uninsured drivers and minimal insurance requirements, a car wreck in Florida, even if it is not your fault, can cost you more than in any other state. In a state with an already high rate of traffic accidents, crowded roads and inclement weather, driving can be a huge financial burden to some Floridians.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated 23.8% of Florida drivers are uninsured, the second highest in the nation. This is coupled with a minimum insurance plan of $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 of property damage liability. Over 50% of Floridians only have the minimum insurance required by law.
Considering that a trip to the hospital can cost often cost much more than $10,000, a crash in Florida can leave you hurting not just physically but financially as well. If you get in an accident the odds are the other driver will have not or enough insurance to cover your damages or even none at all.
What is PIP Insurance?
Florida has a no-fault system, which means that in lieu of finding fault in court, injured drivers can get up to $10,000 in medical coverage from their own insurance company. The insurance, however, will only pay 80% of medical expenses and up to 60% of lost wages within the $10,000 limit. Florida is 1 of only 10 states that have PIP insurance, which can be hugely beneficial as long as costs stay below the limit. Some of the benefits of benefits of this no-fault system include that it keeps the issue of settling payments for auto accidents out of the courts and does not require either party to provide evidence of blame.
Paying More Because of Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
Getting into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave you paying out of pocket. To circumvent this outcome you should consider signing up for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This insurance will help pay for medical costs when the other driver simply cannot. This type of insurance is akin to purchasing liability insurance for every other driver on the road. You can drive with peace of mind, knowing your financial future is not at stake just because other drivers are not adequately covered.
Contact an Experienced Auto Accident or Uninsured Driver Lawyer Today
If you have questions regarding uninsured motorist policies or if you were injured in a car accident let the experienced Florida lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm help today. Dealing with insurance companies can be hassle, especially after a jarring car accident, but our lawyers are here to assist you with your legal needs. Call the office or contact us for a free and confidential consultation of your case.
