Getting into a car accident can be devastating. In addition to injuries and damage to your vehicle, you may need to deal with multiple insurance companies to get compensated for your expenses.
Unfortunately, not every driver in Florida has insurance coverage or ample insurance to cover the expenses of an accident. When the other driver is uninsured, it can make your recovery process more stressful as you navigate who covers which expenses.
Here’s what you should know about uninsured and underinsured drivers in Florida.
A substantial problem
Every state has motorists who, despite existing laws and advice to the contrary, drive without insurance or without enough insurance to cover all the damage from a car accident. In a recent ranking of states with uninsured drivers, Florida was among the worst.
In Florida, one driver out of five does not have insurance. That means when you get into an accident, there is a greater chance that the other driver will not have the resources available to help you get back on your feet.
What happens next?
Often, the reason people drive without insurance is that they cannot afford it. While you might be able to empathize with their plight, you still have expenses from the accident.
When the person who caused the damage does not have the resources or proper insurance, your next option is your own “uninsured/underinsured motorist” coverage. Although not required by law, with such a high rate of uninsured drivers opting for additional coverage could be helpful. Ultimately, any expenses over what the insurance companies cover will be your responsibility.
When you are in an accident, it can be essential to file a claim against the other driver as quickly as possible. Some injuries are not apparent until days after the accident, so it is critical to have the process in motion before it is too late to make a claim. You only have 14 days after an accident to seek medical care in Florida.