Tampa Uninsured Motorist Lawyer

A vehicle accident can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience for anyone. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, the victim may panic over how they will be able to recover compensation for the damage they’ve sustained. Whether you have been injured in an accident along East MLK Jr. Boulevard or in the neighborhood of Virginia Park, consulting with a Tampa uninsured motorist lawyer can make all the difference in recovering compensation. 

The Team at Ronald Bone, P.A., Is Here For You

For over 30 years, the team at Ronald Bone, P.A., has been working to help clients recover the compensation they are owed after suffering a personal injury. When a car accident involves an uninsured driver, our attorneys are here to help you navigate the complicated legal process involved in seeking full and fair compensation. We are here to advocate for your rights, and while our past results cannot guarantee a future outcome, we are here for you to trust. 

Florida Requirements for Car Insurance

According to a study put out by the Insurance Research Council, nearly 15.7 percent of drivers are operating under insufficient coverage or have no coverage at all.

Florida operates as a no-fault insurance state when it comes to auto coverage. This means that regardless of who stands at fault for the accident, both drivers’ PIP insurance, or personal injury protection insurance, should be able to cover all accident-related costs up to the policy limits. In Florida, all drivers are required to carry two forms of insurance:

• PIP, or personal injury protection. This form of insurance works to cover up to 80 percent of all necessary medical expenses up to $10,000. Tampa drivers can benefit from this coverage no matter where the fault lies in an accident, including accidents that involve uninsured motorists. 
• PDL, or property damage liability. This liability coverage works to cover all property damage and harm to a victim’s property or their vehicle as a result of the collision. In Florida, the minimum policy limit for PDL is $10,000. 

What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?

In a car accident in Tampa, regardless of whether or not the at-fault driver has insurance coverage, you are likely entitled to 80 percent coverage of all accident-related medical bills under your own PIP insurance. When the at-fault driver does not carry insurance, you may wonder how you can recover fair and full compensation. Thankfully, there are still a few legal options available to you, including the following:

• Underinsured or uninsured motorist claim. For some drivers in Florida, seeking additional coverage under uninsured motorist insurance (UM) or underinsured motorist insurance (UIM) is possible. This is a great option when you are involved in a car accident with a liable driver who is not carrying insurance.

  Additionally, if the other driver has an insurance policy that doesn’t cover your damages in a sufficient manner or at all, your UM or UIM policy can help cover the remainder of the damages you suffer that your PIP won’t take care of. 

• Personal injury claim. If the at-fault driver does not have insurance coverage, you may be able to pursue compensation through a civil personal injury claim. In this situation, you may also be able to recover additional forms of compensation, such as lost wages and physical pain and emotional suffering, depending on the circumstances of your accident. 

Common Expenses in Uninsured Car Accidents

When a collision happens on the roadway, it can result in several damages, injuries, and resulting expenses for the victim. The most common expenses involved include:

• Car repairs. Following an accident, your car will likely need to be repaired or even replaced. Your insurance may be able to assist with this, but it will largely depend on the type of insurance you carry. 
• Emergency care costs. Following a car accident, you will likely be suffering severe and serious injuries. Receiving emergency medical care or going to the emergency room can be massively expensive, even if your health insurance kicks in. In a personal injury claim, even against an uninsured motorist, you may be able to recover compensation for emergency care. 
• Property damage. While it is true that your car has most likely been damaged in the accident, you may also have experienced damage to other forms of personal property, such as a cellphone or laptop. If any item inside your vehicle receives damage, you can seek compensation for it.
• Lost wages. If your injuries have caused you to become unable to work for a certain period of time or permanently, it can make it harder to pay your medical bills, and you can seek compensation for these lost wages, lost employment benefits, or the loss of future earning capacity if you are unable to return to work. 

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver in Florida?

A: Following an accident with an uninsured driver in Florida, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. First, seek medical care and avoid posting to your social media about the accident. You will also want to call the police to the accident scene so that they can write up an official report. 

Q: How Can I Prove Negligence in an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

A: In an uninsured motorist claim, you and your attorney will need to prove negligence in order to secure your case. In order to do this, you will need to demonstrate the existence of four elements in your case. These elements are that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty through negligence, that the breach of duty caused your accident, and that you suffered damages as a result. 

Q: How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?

A: In a personal injury accident, there are several ways an attorney can assist you. First, your attorney can investigate the accident independently to gather evidence like police reports, medical records, and eyewitness testimony. They can also negotiate with the insurance company and represent you in court should the need arise. While most personal injury claims do not go to court, when they do, our team is here for you. 

Q: What Injuries Are Common in an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

A: There are several injuries that can be suffered in an uninsured motorist accident in Tampa. The injuries that are most common include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, internal organ damage, internal nerve damage, fractures and other broken bones, head, neck, and shoulder injuries, concussions, paralysis, whiplash, soft tissue damage, and cuts, bruises, or lacerations. 

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Hire an Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in an uninsured motorist accident in Tampa, you are entitled to recover compensation. This can prove difficult, which is why it is essential that you hire an uninsured motorist lawyer as soon as possible. Contact the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay-based offices of Ronald Bone, P.A., today and schedule your initial consultation.