Yes, this type of coverage is known as Uninsured Motorist and/or Underinsured Motorist coverage. Unfortunately, most of the individuals that I encounter on a day-to-day basis, do not understand how Florida insurance coverage works. As you will learn with this article, Uninsured Motorist and/or Underinsured Motorist coverage is one of the most important coverages that you can buy to protect yourself and your family. So, here is a typical scenario I see.
You purchase the required insurance coverage to allow you to legally drive your vehicle in the State of Florida. In other words, the coverage you bought covers the damages to another vehicle and personal injury protection (PIP). Now, the required property damage portion of your policy requires that you have coverage in the amount of $10,000.00. This is the part of your policy’s sole purpose is to either repair or pay the vehicle of the other motorist when you are at fault for the accident. As far as your required PIP coverage goes, this portion of the policy is to ensure your medical treatments will be paid for the first $10,000.00 of your medical treatment (regardless of fault) at 80%. I am sure that many of you think that $10,000.00 sounds like a lot of medical coverage. Sadly, it’s not. The problem is that anyone who has been in the hospital knows how expensive that visit can be. In other words, $10,000.00 in personal injury protection (PIP) will disappear very quickly.
This raises some very important questions. For instance, what if the person who hurt me does not have insurance coverage or has minimal insurance coverage that does not offer any protection in the event that you are injured? What happens if I cannot continue to do the work that I did prior to the accident? What happens if I have outstanding medical bills? What happens if I have the need for medical treatment in the future? How will I be compensated for changes in my life caused by the negligence of another person? In my professional opinion, the best way to protect your family and yourself from the negligence of others is to purchase uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage in the largest amount you can afford. Now, I understand that many of you are thinking you can simply submit a claim against the person who caused your injuries. Unfortunately, this can lead to no monetary relief despite the fact that you are innocent. Frankly, if the other person does not have the ability to make these payments you will likely never recover a cent. In addition, even if you win a monetary amount in the Court, the negligent driver can simply declare bankruptcy and avoid paying anything.
As a personal injury lawyer, nothing is more difficult than wanting to help to a person seriously injured due to the negligence of others and not being able to help due to the lack of insurance coverage. As such, be sure to protect you and your family and purchase Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
