The no-fault insurance law, which many states enforce, is in place to protect all motorists. In Florida, personal injury protection insurance (PIP) is required for all vehicles on the road. Like most laws, even though it is on the books and enforced, there are those who, for one reason or another, try to skirt around it from time to time. Florida’s uninsured motorist law is in place to help protect those injured in accidents involving uninsured or under-insured motorists.
The Stakes Are High
The number one position for states with the most uninsured drivers is held by Florida. Though our state does have a minimum insurance requirement, there is no mandate for liability insurance. Consequently, about a quarter of motorists on Florida roadways are uninsured. What this means for you is if you are hurt in an accident with an uninsured driver, you could face serious financial issues as medical bills mount up, unless you have health insurance to cover the cost.
Uninsured Motorist Law
Individuals need to purchase uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) if they want to be protected in the event of an accident caused by either type of motorist. When you consider that over 25 percent of the drivers on Florida roads are uninsured, having the additional coverage not only makes sense, it’s the wise thing to do.
Statistically speaking, everyone who drives can expect to be involved in at least four accidents during a lifetime of driving, according to the American auto insurance industry. All it takes is one accident with a major injury to cause crippling financial debt or even financial ruin. Taking precautions and purchasing the additional coverage is one way to eliminate or minimize the damages.
There is a significant chance that any vehicle accident you might be involved in could include an uninsured or underinsured motorist. There is a more significant chance that the other motorist will be insured. If you are hurt in an accident, the aftermath can be as devastating as the accident. Medical bills lost wages, and personal pain and suffering are all a part of the picture.
The attorneys at Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., specializing in personal injury law, and we help our clients get fairly compensated for their losses. If you have a personal injury case and need legal representation, call us and schedule a complimentary consultation. We have offices conveniently located in North Port, Englewood and Port Charlotte to serve southwest Florida communities.