Orlando, FL Uninsured Driver Accident Attorneys
Trusted Lawyers for Car Accidents Involving Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers in Orlando, Florida
Being involved in a car accident is always stressful, but the situation can become even more difficult when a driver is uninsured. In Florida, where a significant number of drivers do not have proper insurance coverage, accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers are an unfortunate reality. If you have been injured in a collision involving an uninsured driver, you may experience a great deal of uncertainty and frustration as you work to make a full recovery.
Florida's no-fault insurance laws may provide you with some protection, but they often fall short when it comes to covering serious injuries or substantial property damage. Navigating these challenges requires a clear understanding of insurance regulations and the forms of compensation that may be available. The Doan Law Firm assists clients in Orlando who have been injured in accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, helping our clients file insurance claims and pursue other legal remedies.
Understanding Florida's Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that every driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. The minimum amount of coverage is $10,000, and it will pay for 80 percent of the medical expenses resulting from an accident. Drivers must also carry a minimum of $10,000 of Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage, and this will pay for damage to someone else's vehicle or other property in a collision.
While PIP coverage can help with immediate financial needs, it is often insufficient in cases involving serious injuries that require long-term care or lead to permanent disability. In these cases, injury victims will need to understand what other options may be available.
What Happens When the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
If a driver does not have insurance coverage or carries only the minimum required, victims may face difficulties addressing their losses. Unlike many other states, Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance in most cases. Because of the state's laws, the available insurance coverage may not fully compensate a victim for the harm they have suffered.
When an accident involves an uninsured or underinsured driver, victims may need to deal with:
- Unpaid medical bills once PIP limits are exhausted
- Out-of-pocket costs for rehabilitation, surgery, or future treatment
- Lost income while recovering from their injuries
- Impairment to their ability to earn an income in the future due to disabilities
- Inability to recover compensation for pain and suffering caused by the at-fault driver
Options for Victims When Coverage Falls Short
Although it may seem like compensation is out of reach when the other driver is uninsured, there are still several potential avenues for financial recovery:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Many auto insurance policies offer UM/UIM coverage as an optional add-on. This coverage will apply when insurance policies will not fully cover the losses that occurred in an accident. UM/UIM benefits may pay for:
- Medical expenses exceeding PIP limits
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Our attorneys can review your policy to determine whether you are eligible to file a UM/UIM claim.
Third-Party Liability Claims
In certain cases, another party may be partially or wholly responsible for an accident, including:
- Employers of negligent drivers who were operating commercial or company vehicles
- Manufacturers of defective auto parts, such as brakes, tires, or seat belts
- Government agencies that were responsible for unsafe road conditions
A third-party claim can help recover compensation from a source other than the uninsured driver.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
If a person has suffered severe injuries, they may be able to take legal action against the at-fault driver. Under Florida law, a driver may be held responsible for causing injuries that led to significant bodily harm, permanent disabilities, or scarring/disfigurement. However, even if an injury is severe enough to qualify, a victim may not be able to recover compensation if the at-fault driver does not have significant assets or financial resources.
How The Doan Law Firm Helps Victims of Uninsured Driver Accidents
Dealing with injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist can be very frustrating, and the losses a victim has experienced may threaten their financial well-being. The Doan Law Firm helps clients in Orlando determine the best approach to take in these situations to ensure that they will be properly compensated for their injuries. Our services include:
- Policy Review: We will carefully analyze auto insurance policies to determine if UM/UIM or other forms of coverage may be available.
- Filing and Negotiating Insurance Claims: We will manage the process of filing claims and negotiating fair settlements with insurance companies.
- Addressing Third-Party Liability: We will investigate the circumstances of the accident to identify all potentially responsible parties.
- Litigation Support: We work with our clients to take legal action against negligent drivers or other entities when insurance coverage is inadequate.
- Protecting Against Denied or Delayed Claims: We work to hold insurers accountable if they wrongfully delay, reduce, or deny valid claims.
Contact Our Orlando Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
When an uninsured or underinsured driver is responsible for causing a crash, The Doan Law Firm can work with you to explore all available forms of compensation. Contact our Orlando office today by calling 407-289-0000 to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover from the physical and financial effects of your accident.