Question 1

What Should I do if I am Involved in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you remain at the scene unless you need to get medical care quickly. In most regions, it is considered a crime to leave the scene of an accident before exchanging insurance information with the other party. Leaving the scene could also affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.

You should get enough information, witness, and the badge number of the investigating police officer.

Keep your comments at the scene brief. Don’t say anything that could reflect early admittance of fault for the accident. Allow the relevant officials and authorities to make judgments.

If you can, take pictures of any visible injuries at the accident scene, damaged parts of your vehicle, and any other property.

The evidence you were able to gather will play a critical role in filing an uninsured motorist insurance claim following the accident. Finally, you need to contact an attorney. The sooner an experienced attorney begins to aid you, the easier it will be to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.

Question 2

How Much Can I Expect to Recover From an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

Accepted Answer

Every claim is uniquely dependent on the situation. The following categories, however, can be the focus:

Medical expenses — These are for injuries sustained in the accident.

Lost wages —  This is considered if you were unable to go to work while recovering from your injuries.

Replacement services —  This includes home maintenance and childcare that you needed to hire someone to provide while you were recovering.

Lost earning potential — This is given if you need to work a light-duty job or work fewer hours.

Other types of damages to compensate you are known as non-economic damages. These damages are to help you recover for losses that are not tied to a specific amount.

Question 3

Who Will be Held Liable for an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

Accepted Answer

If you were hurt in an accident, the person or company whose negligence caused the accident can be held accountable for the losses you have sustained. The most obvious example is the driver at fault, but the other driver is not always the only responsible party.

Sometimes, you can sue the governmental body in charge of a road if a bad road caused the accident. You will need to speak with an uninsured motorist lawyer who will help you determine the cause of the accident and whether there are third-parties who should be included in the claim.

Question 4

How Can I get Support for Medical Bills After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

Accepted Answer

The first option to get your medical bills paid is known as personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers your children, other members of your household, and the passengers in your vehicle. PIP is a type of coverage on your own policy that pays for your medical expenses and income loss. Your PIP insurance covers you for injuries incurred in any car accident, whether you were walking, or riding on a bicycle, or a passenger in someone else’s car.

Also, the health insurance provided by your employer may cover some of the incurred expenses. There are certain circumstances where your current coverage may not be enough to cover all your needs. That is why it is very important to always carry supplemental uninsured motorist insurance coverage, as well.

Question 5

What if I am Partially Liable for the Accident?

Accepted Answer

Each party in the event of a car accident is responsible for damages in proportion to their percentage of fault. The incident is calculated based on the facts that have been gathered, then each party’s responsibility is measured.

Florida used the pure comparative negligence rule, and if you are deemed to be partially at fault for an accident, your claim amount may be reduced proportionally to the percentage you are found to be at fault. As an example, if you are seeking $100,000 in damages, and you are 10% at fault, your amount will be reduced by $10,000.

Question 6

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After an Uninsured Motorist Accident?

Accepted Answer

This is very important. You need to inform your insurance company immediately you were involved in a car accident. Every insurance carrier has a distinct policy, but your claim may be denied if you don’t make a prompt notification. Also, be aware that you don’t need to speak with an insurance company representing another driver.

Always be mindful of the questions asked by an insurance company, as anything you say may affect your claim. Don’t sign any paperwork or accept a settlement until you have spoken to an uninsured motorist attorney. Doing so may cause you to lose out on compensation or have your claim denied entirely.

Question 7

How Long Will it Take my Uninsured Motorist Accident to be Resolved?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the facts that are presented. A typical car accident can be settled within three to nine months of completing your medical treatment. However, if your case is taken to trial, it may take one to two years before the actual trial date. In cases of multiple defendants, it may take a significantly longer time to resolve.

Each case is different, and if you’re seeking compensation for long-term disability, you will need to prove that the disability is permanent. Therefore, it is important that you don’t try to rush the process and settle for less than you deserve.

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