Protecting Yourself on Florida Roads: The Crucial Role of Uninsured Motorist Insurance

The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Living in the Sunshine State comes with its own set of perks, but it also presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to navigating its roadways. As a personal injury attorney, I often encounter clients who face the aftermath of auto accidents involving uninsured motorists in Florida. 

In most cases, your insurance provides minimal protection for you. Many people

​misunderstand their insurance policy - your insurance policy's primary purpose is to protect you against being sued by the other driver.

Florida is a "no fault state, meaning the typical policy provides $10,000.00 in personal injury protection (PIP) if you were at fault or not. In the medical world, that doesn't go far. After that is used up, you will need to seek contribution from the at fault driver's insurance. They may have minimal coverage or none at all. 

Uninsured motorist coverage, often abbreviated as UM, is an insurance policy designed to protect individuals in the event of an accident where the at-fault party either lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage to fully compensate for the damages incurred. 

1. Low Mandatory Coverage
One of the distinctive features of Florida's auto insurance requirements is the relatively low mandatory coverage. Many minimal policies in provide $10,000.00 per person/$20,000.00 per accident. This means that the most each person can recover from the at fault driver's insurance company is $10,000.00.

The policy has a maximum coverage of $20,000.00, which means if there were three people injured by the at fault driver then they may be required to split it three ways or one person may not recover at all. 

Oftentimes, these limits are not sufficient to cover the full extent of damages in a serious accident. In the event of an auto accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, the inadequacy of these minimum coverage limits can leave you exposed to substantial medical costs.

This is where uninsured motorist insurance becomes an invaluable asset, filling the gap left by insufficient coverage and providing additional protection for you and your loved ones.

2. High Rate of Accidents
Florida is no stranger to traffic congestion and a high rate of accidents. We've all driven on I4 through Orlando or on I95 through Miami. The combination of densely populated urban areas, frequent tourist influx, and a sprawling network of highways contributes to a heightened risk of collisions.

In the unfortunate event of an accident involving an uninsured motorist, the lack of adequate coverage on the at-fault party's side can make it challenging to recover the compensation you deserve.

Uninsured motorist insurance serves as a safety net, offering financial protection in situations where the responsible party lacks the necessary insurance coverage. This is particularly crucial in a state like Florida, where accidents are unfortunately more common than in many other parts of the country.

3. Tourists
Florida's picturesque landscapes and vibrant attractions make it a magnet for tourists throughout the year. While the tourism industry is undoubtedly a boon for the state's economy, it also introduces a unique challenge on the roads.

Visitors may not be familiar with local traffic rules or may drive differently due to differences in regulations from their home states or countries.

In accidents involving tourists, the complexities of insurance claims can increase significantly. Not only is it more difficult recovering from someone out of state, their state may not require them to carry any insurance coverage, leaving you high and dry paying for your own medical bills. Likewise, many visitors get rental cars while in Florida. Their coverage may or may not carry over.

​The same can be said for many immigrants to Florida. While many do the right thing and carry insurance, as required by law, it's increasingly common to choose not to carry insurance because of the high premiums or ineligibility from the insurance companies.

Uninsured motorists face minor criminal penalties if they are involved in an auto accident, but you could still face massive medical bills. Uninsured motorist insurance can play a pivotal role in ensuring that you are adequately protected, regardless of the residency or insurance status of the at-fault party.

4. Injuries
Accidents on Florida roads can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. In situations where an uninsured motorist is responsible for the accident, recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering becomes more challenging.

In most cases, if the at fault driver does not have insurance, your first reaction is to sue them personally. In most cases, this is an empty threat.

Most people don't have thousands of dollars available to pay for someone else's medical bills. Even if you win at court, which may take years, collecting that judgement is often impossible.
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to step in and provide the necessary financial support for your recovery.

It ensures that you have access to the resources needed to cover medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries, even if the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance.

Uninsured motorist insurance is not just an optional add-on but a critical component of your overall financial protection on Florida roads. Whether in Orlando, Sanford, Lake Mary, or Tampa, with the state's low mandatory coverage, high accident rates, influx of tourists and immigrants, and the potential for severe injuries, having uninsured motorist coverage can make the difference between financial struggle and a smoother recovery process.

As a personal injury attorney, my advice is simple: don't underestimate the importance of uninsured motorist insurance in Florida. It's a proactive step toward safeguarding yourself and your loved ones in the unpredictable realm of the Sunshine State's roadways.

If you're involved in an auto accident, Call Attorney Andrew Graves for a free consultation or fill out our online consultation form for a call back. ​