West Palm Beach Uninsured Motorist Attorney
Recent data indicates a concerning trend in Florida’s traffic safety. Between 2013 and 2023, the state experienced a 43% increase in traffic fatalities, with the fatality rate rising by 18%, according to WQCS 88.9 FM. In 2023, Florida recorded 394,910 traffic crashes, resulting in 3,377 deaths, as reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
These statistics highlight the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and public awareness to address the rising number of traffic-related incidents in Florida. The increase in collisions, injuries, and fatalities is largely due to more people on the road because of a growing economy and cheap gas. However, that does not excuse the negligent driving that is leading to the deaths of so many Florida citizens.
Unfortunately, tens of thousands of Florida drivers take to the roads with their attention divided, often only partially focused on the task at hand. Distracted driving has become more prevalent, with many unable to resist the temptation to check a text message, engage in other distractions, drive aggressively, or operate their vehicles while under the influence. Even more concerning are the millions of Florida drivers who are uninsured. When they cause an accident, not only do they put you and your family at risk of injury, but their lack of insurance means they may be unable to compensate you for your damages.
West Palm Beach Uninsured Motorists Accident Attorney
Car accidents are terrifying and can be very traumatic. Auto accident victims are often seriously injured in these crashes and can sustain heavy damage to their vehicles. These dangers are why motorists are required to carry basic insurance coverage in Florida. Every driver is required to be insured, but many drivers ignore that law. When a motorist causes an accident, the other vehicle’s driver and passengers could suffer from the liable party’s lack of insurance. Florida drivers are encouraged to obtain uninsured motorist insurance to avoid such risks. However, sometimes accident victims have difficulty making claims with their own insurance companies on uninsured motorist policies. If you were recently in an auto accident with an uninsured driver, contact the reputable West Palm Beach uninsured motorist accident attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP. Our skilled personal injury attorneys can help you settle a claim with your insurance company.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Claims in Florida
Florida insurance companies are required by law to offer uninsured motorists coverage to their customers. Uninsured motorist policies are designed to cover damage caused by motorists who do not have the insurance to cover such costs. Though basic insurance coverage is required under Florida law, many uninsured drivers take to the roads each day. In 2022, approximately 14% of U.S. drivers were uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. This issue is particularly pronounced in Florida, where uninsured motorist rates have increased in recent years. Between 2017 and 2019, Florida experienced one of the largest increases in uninsured drivers nationwide.
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to ensure that you are protected in the event of an accident caused by an uninsured driver. If an uninsured driver causes an accident resulting in injuries or property damage, your uninsured motorist coverage is meant to cover those costs. For more information, contact our experienced West Palm Beach uninsured accident attorneys today.
Even when a driver has purchased uninsured motorist protection, it can be difficult to file a claim with the insurance company. Large insurance companies are notorious for trying to avoid paying legitimate claims. When making your claim, your insurance company may try to provide less money than you are rightfully owed or may fail to pay altogether. These companies may try to pin blame on you instead of the rightfully responsible party. Such tricks can cost you a lot of time, energy, and money. You may have to jump through hoops just to make your claim, and there is no guarantee that your policy will be honored. If you live in West Palm Beach and your insurance company is refusing to pay on your uninsured motorist claim, contact a reputable insurance litigation firm, like the team at Pike & Lustig, LLP for experienced legal help.
Who Is Protected by Uninsured Motorist Coverage and What Does It Cover?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage) protects everyone in your vehicle. It also protects your vehicle’s occupants in the event of a hit-and-run collision. UM coverage pays for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages from the injuries (in some cases it can cover damages to your vehicle as well). Even if the other driver that caused the crash has insurance, it may not be enough. In this case, your UM coverage can be applied to the remaining damages. The amount of UM coverage you wish to purchase is up to you. UM coverage can range from $20,000 to $1 million. Considering how many drivers in Florida go without insurance, it may be a smart decision to err on the side of caution. Additionally, even those drivers that are legally driving with insurance may not have adequate coverage to pay for anything substantial.
In Florida, the minimum coverage a driver needs is a $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) plan and a $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL) plan, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. PIP insurance does not cover members of other vehicles, meaning that if a driver with the minimum PIP coverage causes you serious harm, their PIP will not offer you any financial protection.
Similarly, their minimum PDL (Property Damage Liability) coverage will only cover damages to your vehicle, not your medical expenses. Considering that a single night in a hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can easily cost over $10,000, reaching the limits of an underinsured motorist’s coverage can happen quickly. Florida’s lenient laws on cell phone use while driving, its high rate of fatal and serious traffic accidents, and its minimal auto insurance requirements—along with a significant number of uninsured drivers—make it highly likely that you will encounter an accident through no fault of your own, leaving the at-fault party unable to cover the financial burden they have caused.
Hire Experienced West Palm Beach Auto Accident Attorneys to Fight for You
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our dedicated trial attorneys have a proven track record of holding insurance companies accountable and ensuring they don’t take advantage of their customers. With years of experience, our skilled litigators are fully prepared to fight for your rights in the courtroom. We take pride in providing high-quality legal representation at an affordable rate, ensuring every client receives the attention they deserve. Don’t wait—contact Pike & Lustig, LLP today. We’ll stand up to your insurance company and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us now to discuss your claim with one of our experienced attorneys.
