Tampa Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney
Being involved in an auto accident is scary and stressful enough. But, when it involves an uninsured driver, you may feel overwhelmed wondering who will handle your injuries and damages. Uninsured drivers are a big problem in Florida, partially due to lenient liability insurance regulations. According to the Florida DMV, around one in seven drivers in Florida are uninsured. Many more only carry the minimum limits of $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your policy, you may have the ability to bring a claim for your damages. To learn more, speak with the Tampa uninsured motorist accident attorneys at Moore Law today.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
When the other driver is uninsured, you could try to sue them directly, but they likely have no assets or money since they don’t have insurance in the first place. Your best option is to file an uninsured motorist claim if you have coverage on your policy.
When you purchase uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance carrier essentially “steps into the shoes” of the at-fault party. While you are presenting a claim to your own carrier, it’s considered a third-party claim. That means they would treat you no differently than if you were insured with another insurance company and bringing a liability claim for damages.
It may sound confusing, but even though you are insured with them, they will be looking to minimize their payout on your claim. That means the claims adjuster may try to undervalue it or find a way for you to admit fault. That is why having an experienced Tampa uninsured driver accident attorney is so essential.
Uninsured motorist coverage only provides compensation in cases where the at-fault driver didn’t have coverage. You would still look to your PIP coverage first and then to your UM coverage for anything above and beyond that PIP doesn’t cover. You have the right to bring a claim as though you were presenting it to the driver’s insurance. That means you could receive compensation for your time off work, future medical expenses, disability, pain and suffering, etc.
How a Tampa Uninsured Driver Accident Attorney Can Help
You might be wondering why you should retain an attorney when presenting a claim to your own insurance company. Remember, they are treating you like a third-party liability claimant. This claim is not a first-party coverage, so they will look to place blame on you if possible and minimize how much money your case resolves.
Your attorney can help you determine if you have applicable coverage, help you file a claim, and protect your rights throughout the process. You need a legal advocate on your side. You may be tempted to give the insurance adjuster a recorded statement since it’s your own company, but resist the temptation. Your attorney will help keep you from making mistakes like that, which could reduce the value of your claim.
To learn more about how our Tampa uninsured driver accident attorneys can help, contact Moore Law today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us review your case and help protect your rights so you can get the total compensation you deserve in your uninsured motorist claim.
