Make Sure you Have State Required Insurance

The easiest way to protect yourself against an uninsured driver is to have your own policy with the state required Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP insurance is intended to cover 80 percent of your medical bills and expenses. The remaining 20 percent should be covered by the other driver’s insurances. However, this is not possible when the other party does not have insurance. This is where uninsured motorist policies can be helpful.

Have an Uninsured Motorist Policy

An uninsured motorist coverage, or UM coverage, is one of the best ways that you can protect yourself from uninsured drivers. You can buy a UM policy through your insurance coverage provider. UM insurance will compensate you for injuries caused by a negligent uninsured driver. However, it is important to note that UM coverage is not automatic. You must prove that you were injured due to the other driver’s negligence. If you are a passenger in an accident, you may still be able to qualify under a relative’s UM policy.

Have Underinsured Motorist Policy

If you are injured by negligent driver and that driver does not have enough insurance to compensate you for your losses, then you may still be able to use your UM policy for an underinsured motorist.

What type of How is UM Coverage offered?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is offered at different coverage levels. However, like many types of insurance, it is limited person and per accident. For example, a $25,000/$50,000 policy would cover the UM policy cover for up to $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident for everyone involved in the accident. UM coverage is normally available at different levels:

• $10,000/$20,000
• $25,000/$50,000
• $100,000/$300,000
• $300,000/$500,000

Make sure that you select the insurance levels that make the most sense for you and your family so that you are covered if you have an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Let an Attorney Help

Unfortunately, UM insurance will not cover all of your losses. You may need to seek additional compensation for your injury to help you cover noneconomic costs such as lost wages and unexpected medical costs. If you have been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, please contact the Miami uninsured motorist attorneys at the law office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. We can help you review your coverage options and determine whether you have UM insurance to cover losses from an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Hit and Run Car Accidents

Florida law requires a driver who causes a crash to stop at the scene of the accident and provide aid to victims. The driver must also provide contact and insurance information to accident victims and the police. Sadly, some drivers will not stop when they cause an accident. There are many causes for hit and run accidents, however, many accidents occur when a driver:

• Exceeds the speed limits;
• Drives while intoxicated; or
• Does not realize they have struck another person.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable

If you were in a hit and run accident, you may not always be able to hold the other driver accountable for your injuries. To be sure, some drivers are never located. However, this does not mean you have no options. You can seek compensation through your own insurance. Florida is a no fault state, which means that all drivers are required to have personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage. PIP insurance will cover many expenses related to your accident such as medical costs and lost wages. You may also have other insurance coverage that may be able to cover the costs of damage and injuries.

If the driver is located, you can hold the driver responsible for your harm by proving negligence. A driver is negligent when they fail to act with the care a reasonable driver would use to avoid risking harm to others. You will need to demonstrate the other driver’s failure to exercise care caused your injuries and that you incurred damages because of these injuries. Additionally, many hit and run accidents happen when the driver is intoxicated. In cases such as these, you may base your claim on the fact that the driver is negligent because they violated drunk driving laws.

Hit and Run Accident Victims Deserve Compensation

It can be difficult to recover from a hit and run accident when you cannot locate the driver responsible for your injuries. However, if you need assistance recovering compensation for your damages, don’t hesitate to contact the Miami car accident lawyers at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. We can help you file a claim with the relevant insurance company, or even a lawsuit should you find the individual liable for the crash. Contact us today to speak with us about your accident.