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What If The Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Did you know that 20.4% of drivers in Florida operate without insurance, making the state the sixth in the nation for uninsured drivers? Well, this research by the Insurance Research Council highlights the high possibility of getting into a crash with a driver who is uninsured. While any accident can be stressful, dealing with an uninsured driver in Largo adds more complexity, making you wonder what to do next.
If an uninsured driver hits you, there are so many variables that may go into your case. This makes it difficult to predict a singular outcome. The best strategy is to consult a Largo injury law firm to look into the facts of your accident and guide you into the next steps. Rather than trying to handle the case by yourself, enlist the help of a Florida uninsured motorist accident lawyer to guide you professionally.
What To Do If You’re Involved In An Accident With An Uninsured Driver?
Despite the high number of insured drivers in Florida, motorists are required to carry minimum liability insurance. You need to understand Florida’s insurance laws to know the steps to take after such an accident. Taking proper steps will impact your ability to recover damages.
Florida law demands that all motorists carry liability insurance as follows:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) of $10,000
- $10,000 for damages to personal property
- $20,000 liability per accident
If a driver doesn’t have this coverage, they suffer severe penalties, including the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license and additional legal consequences.
Here are the steps to take following an accident with an uninsured driver in Largo:
- Ensure safety and call the authorities. First, move to a safe area, if possible, and call the police. A police report will be crucial in documenting the incident.
- Collect evidence. Gather as much information as possible at the scene. This includes taking videos of the damage, collecting contact details from witnesses, and noting any relevant details that might support your case later.
- Contact your insurer. Report the incident to your provider promptly. Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. Therefore, your insurance will cover some of your damages up to the limit, regardless of who was at fault.
- Consider legal action. If your damages exceed what your insurance covers, or if you sustain serious injuries, you may need to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver. However, this process can be challenging as it majorly depends on the uninsured driver’s ability to pay.
In cases where there are challenges with recovering from the uninsured party, your uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Florida can help you. If you win a judgment, an attorney will ensure you collect damages by using either of the following ways:
- Placing a lien on non-homestead property (property that is not protected under Florida’s homestead exemption laws).
- Seizing personal property
- Garnishing wages or bank accounts
The court may also suspend the driver’s license until the settlement is paid. These steps can be legally consuming and may require the experience of a Largo personal injury lawyer from Mickey Keenan.
Get Help From A Largo Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Now
Handling uninsured motorist accident claims requires a clear understanding of Florida insurance laws. As such, if you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Largo, you need to seek legal counsel right away.
At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we have a track record of winning substantial settlements for our personal injury clients seeking justice. If you want to know what to do after being involved in such an accident, a Florida uninsured accident attorney will assess your case to figure out the best avenue for pursuing compensation for your damages. Call us immediately to book a free case evaluation.