Car accidents can be stressful no matter where you are, but in Florida, where car insurance laws are unique and uninsured drivers are more common than you might expect, things can get even more complicated. If you're involved in a crash and the other driver doesn't have insurance, you might be left wondering who will pay for the damages.
In situations like this, understanding how liability insurance coverage works in Florida becomes essential. It plays a major role in determining who is financially responsible after an accident, especially when one party lacks the proper insurance.
Florida law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident. This coverage kicks in no matter who was at fault. But what many people don't realize is that PIP doesn't cover damage to your vehicle or compensate you for pain and suffering.
That's usually where the at-fault driver's insurance coverage would come in. But if that driver has no insurance at all, your options for recovering additional costs become limited, unless you're prepared.
If you're hit by an uninsured driver in Florida, here are a few ways you might still be able to recover your losses:
Uninsured motorist coverage isn't required in Florida, but it's highly recommended. If you have it as part of your auto policy, UM coverage can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering if the other driver is uninsured.
UM coverage often mirrors your bodily injury liability limits, so the higher your policy limits, the more protection you have. It's one of the best ways to protect yourself in a situation like this.
If your car is damaged in the accident, your collision coverage can help cover repair or replacement costs — even if the other driver doesn't have insurance. Keep in mind, you'll likely have to pay a deductible.
Collision coverage is optional in Florida, but it's wise to carry it, especially considering how many uninsured drivers are on the road.
You have the right to sue the uninsured driver for damages, particularly if you've suffered serious injuries that go beyond what your PIP covers. However, even if you win the case, collecting money can be difficult. Many uninsured drivers don't have the financial resources to pay a judgment, which is often why they lack insurance in the first place.
In some cases, third parties (like an employer or a vehicle owner) may be held liable for the accident if their negligence contributed to the crash. Your attorney may investigate these angles, especially in complex accidents involving commercial vehicles or borrowed cars.
Despite state laws, Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country — some estimates place it over 20%. High insurance costs, lack of enforcement, and misunderstandings about coverage all contribute to the problem.
This makes it even more important to protect yourself with the right insurance, rather than relying on others to carry the minimum required.
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