Stuart Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
After a car crash it seems like the party who is at fault should be responsible for paying the damages, but if the liable party doesn’t have insurance or not enough insurance, you may not be able to recover the costs of the collision from them. Many drivers assume that every motorist on the road is properly insured, yet the reality in Florida is very different. When the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage, victims are often left wondering how they will pay mounting medical bills and repair expenses.
According to the Insurance Institute Information, 26.7 percent of Florida residents in 2015 were uninsured motorists, making it the state with the highest number of uninsured drivers. That means more than one out of every four drivers may not carry the insurance necessary to cover the harm they cause. This alarming statistic makes it critical to understand your own coverage and legal options. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you navigate this complicated situation and pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured by an uninsured motorist you can still file an insurance claim with your own insurance company. However, filing a claim under your own policy is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often scrutinize uninsured motorist claims closely, even when you are clearly the victim. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you determine which policies apply and push for your insurance company to adequately provide coverage for you during this eventful time.
An experienced Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer will review every available source of compensation. This may include your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, and any other applicable policies. Having a knowledgeable Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer on your side ensures that no potential avenue of recovery is overlooked.
Types of Coverage That Will Be Important in an Uninsured Motorist Collision
The first type of coverage that all Florida residents are required to have is called personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Even if you are hit by a driver who is well-insured, this no-fault policy will be the first one to go into effect. PIP coverage applies regardless of who caused the crash and provides immediate access to a portion of your medical and lost wage benefits.
According to Florida Statute 627.736, PIP insurance protects you, your passengers, and anyone in your household for up to $10,000 in medical and disability benefits and up to $5,000 in death benefits. While this coverage can provide initial relief, it is often not enough to cover serious injuries. Emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging, surgeries, and follow-up care can quickly exceed PIP limits. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer can evaluate whether your injuries meet the threshold to step outside the no-fault system and pursue additional compensation.
There is another type of insurance specific to these instances, which is called an uninsured motorist (UM) policy. Depending on the insurance policy, this may cover medical expenses, property damage, or both within the same policy. UM coverage is designed to step into the shoes of the at-fault driver when they do not have adequate insurance. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer will carefully examine the language of your policy to determine the full scope of coverage available.
This policy also applies in hit-and-run cases and protects you if you are a pedestrian when you get hit. Many people do not realize that UM coverage can follow you even when you are not inside your own vehicle. If you are injured while walking, biking, or riding as a passenger in someone else’s car, your UM policy may still provide protection. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer can clarify how your coverage applies based on the specific circumstances of your accident.
In some cases, the at-fault driver may carry insurance, but not enough to cover the full extent of your injuries. This is known as an underinsured motorist situation. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer can pursue a claim under your underinsured motorist coverage to bridge the gap between the other driver’s policy limits and your total damages. Without the guidance of a Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer, many accident victims are unaware of how to properly structure these layered claims.
Why Do I Need an Attorney To Deal with My Own Insurance Company?
Insurance companies are supposed to offer you the coverage you need in bad circumstances, but they are also businesses seeking to make profits. Even though it is your own insurance policy that will be paying for the damages you’ve sustained, it is important when filing a claim to have a comprehensive understanding of all of Florida’s laws, the insurance policy agreement, the extent of your injuries, and what property was damaged. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help level the playing field when dealing with your insurer.
Since PIP insurance is mandatory in Florida, the state has seen an increase in fraudulent claims, which has also made filing a claim more difficult. As a result, insurers often approach uninsured motorist claims with skepticism. They may request extensive documentation, delay processing, or dispute the severity of your injuries. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer knows how to respond to these tactics and present a well-supported claim that demands fair treatment.
Your insurance company may attempt to offer a quick settlement that does not fully account for your long-term medical needs or lost earning capacity. Accepting such an offer too soon can leave you without the financial support necessary for ongoing care. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer will assess the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and diminished earning potential, before advising you on any settlement.
A qualified attorney can make the best case on your behalf which will increase the likelihood of your insurance company cooperating and speed up how quickly you are able to get compensated for expenditures such as hospital payments or car repairs. A Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer will gather medical records, employment documentation, and expert opinions to strengthen your claim. With the assistance of a dedicated Stuart uninsured motorist accident lawyer, you can focus on healing while your legal rights are protected and your financial recovery is pursued aggressively.
Contact A Stuart Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
The Stuart Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer at Sholtes Law, PLLC represent motor vehicle crash victims no matter what insurance policies are at stake. If you have been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the difference between having legal representation and trying to submit a claim yourself can also be the difference in getting compensated. Let us take the worry over insurance away from you so you can focus on making a full physical and emotional recovery. Contact our offices at 855-534-2509 to set up a free consultation today.
