Bradenton Uninsured Driver Accident Lawyer
Florida drivers are required to carry auto insurance. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow the law and purchase the necessary coverage. That means if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, you might not have an avenue of recovery. However, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) through your own auto carrier, you can make a claim for your injuries and damages. To learn more about what to do if an uninsured driver has hit you, contact a Bradenton uninsured motorist lawyer today.
Why Purchase UM Coverage in Florida
Florida ranks as one of the worst states for uninsured drivers. That means there is an increased risk that you might get hit by an uninsured driver. Even those that have insurance only carry the minimum limits. If the accident is severe, the minimum limits will not be enough to compensate you for the full amount of your damages. You could have long-lasting chronic pain, permanent disabilities, and be unable to return to your career.
Florida law requires that you carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage. PIP only pays medical expenses for the policyholder or occupants in their vehicle. That doesn’t help cover your medical costs if another driver hits you and your injuries are severe. Your own PIP limits may not be sufficient, and many people don’t purchase additional insurance either. If you have UM coverage through your policy, you can file a claim for your injuries and damages.
Why You Need an Attorney for a UM Claim
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you don’t need legal representation if you pursue a claim through your own Uninsured Motorist coverage on your policy. Some people mistakenly think it’s their own insurance company, which means the adjuster will be on their side. Unfortunately, UM claims are treated differently. Your insurance company is stepping into the shoes of the uninsured driver. That means they will be looking for ways to place more fault on you or claim your injuries weren’t as severe as you say. Your claim is no different than if that insurance adjuster worked for the other driver’s insurance.
Having an attorney represent you in a UM claim is always recommended. You need a legal advocate who can look out for you and protect your rights. Also, we may be able to find additional avenues of recovery that you might not have thought about before. If there is a chance that another party had even a small fraction of fault, you could have a claim against that person or entity. For example, consider an accident where there was a hazardous road condition present. Perhaps the city was doing road construction and forgot to mark the area, which caused you to stop suddenly when the uninsured driver rear-ended you.
A skilled Bradenton car accident attorney knows how to look at all possible sources of recovery. We can help you determine all possible avenues of liability to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Bradenton Uninsured Motorist Attorney
If you were hit by an uninsured driver in Florida, let the skilled Bradenton uninsured motorist attorneys at The Cahill Law Firm assist. Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us review your case’s facts to help you decide which legal options are best for you.
