Melbourne Uninsured & Underinsured Accident Lawyer

Florida is a “no-fault” state with respect to auto accidents. This means that if you own a four-wheel vehicle, you must purchase a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which will compensate you for certain medical expenses and lost income following an accident, even if the other driver was at-fault. If you were seriously injured, however, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

But that assumes the other driver has insurance. And by some estimates, as many as 1 in 4 Florida drivers lack any insurance to cover bodily injury or property damage in such cases. In these situations, the victims may still be able to receive compensation from their own carrier if they have uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage. The Melbourne uninsured and underinsured motorists lawyers at the Pendas Law Firm can sit down and review your policy and advise you of your legal rights in this area.

How Does UM/UIM Coverage Work in Florida?

Unlike personal injury protection, Florida law does not require you to purchase UM/UIM coverage. Your auto insurer is required to at least offer such coverage as part of its standard policy. If you decline to purchase this coverage, you must sign a written rejection or waiver form to that effect.

So what does UM/UIM coverage actually accomplish? In simple terms, your own insurance company is expected to “step into the shoes” of an at-fault driver who either lacks insurance or whose coverage limits are insufficient to fully compensate you for your losses following an accident. Keep in mind, UM/UIM coverage not only affects you when you are driving your car. It also protects you if you are injured in a “hit and run” accident while riding a bicycle or even just walking down the street. Additionally, if you were driving a vehicle with other passengers, they are also covered by your UM/UIM policy.

So if you are involved in an accident, it is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. This includes any UM/UIM-related claims. Your insurance company will conduct its own investigation to determine whether it is liable under the policy and will likely offer a settlement. You do not have to accept the insurer’s first offer. In many cases it may be far below the limits of your policy. So it is in your best interests to work with a skilled lawyer who deals with these types of claims on a regular basis.

Contact The Pendas Law Firm Today

Many people think uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is unnecessary especially if they already have health insurance. But health insurance only covers your medical bills. It cannot compensate you for other losses arising from an accident, such as lost wages due to time missed from work, or your ongoing pain and suffering. UM/UIM coverage can fill in these critical gaps.

So if you have been injured in an accident and need legal advice from a Melbourne uninsured motorists lawyer, contact the Pendas Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation.