Hit by an Uninsured Motorist?

Our Dunedin personal injury attorneys can help!

There are hundreds of traffic accidents reported each day in Florida. About one in four of the drivers involved in those car accidents do not carry auto insurance, despite the fact that driving without insurance is against the law. Drivers who do carry auto insurance oftentimes do not carry bodily injury liability coverage. If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, rest assured that the Paulsen Law Group is on your side. We do not represent insurance companies – never have and never will.

Contact us at (727) 270-8260 or online to schedule an appointment.

The Problem with Uninsured Drivers in Florida

Uninsured drivers create a multitude of problems for everyone, especially for the insured drivers on the road. The insured drivers who tend to be most affected are those who carry only the minimal legal requirements for automobile insurance in Florida. Although Florida law mandates that drivers carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage, Florida is ranked number five of states with the highest number of uninsured drivers on the road, at 24 percent.

I have PIP — so why do I need uninsured motorist protection?

Unless drivers have previous accidents or certain violations, Florida law generally does not require them to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage, and many choose not to purchase it. If you are hit by an uninsured motorist and you sustain injuries, you’ll be paying your medical expenses out of pocket once you exhaust your $10,000 in PIP coverage — that is, unless you purchased uninsured motorist protection. Also, if your condition is diagnosed as a non-emergency, your PIP benefits may be reduced to $2,500.

Uninsured motorist coverage picks up where PIP leaves off. This type of coverage pays the damages that would otherwise be paid by the at-fault driver’s coverage, had he or she been insured.

Protecting yourself with uninsured motorist coverage is a good investment for several reasons, including the following:

• Medical expenses - If you are seriously injured in a car accident with an uninsured driver, your medical expenses could easily exceed your PIP coverage. That’s where uninsured motorist protection steps in.
• Lost wages – Uninsured motorist coverage will also pay for lost wages not reimbursed by your PIP coverage, which typically only pays up to 60 percent of your lost income.
• Non-economic damages – Other types of injuries, including pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment of life, are commonly covered by uninsured motorist protection.

When you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, a personal injury attorney is your greatest ally. Why do you need an attorney when you’re hit by an uninsured driver? The issues involved in uninsured motorist claims can be extremely complicated and difficult to navigate on your own. You need a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side. We know how to successfully negotiate a personal injury settlement and go head-to-head with tough insurance companies on your behalf. We’ll fight for your maximum compensation for all your injuries.

Call our office for a free consultation and case review!

Our experienced Dunedin accident attorneys at the Paulsen Law Group have provided proactive legal representation to individuals in Clearwater, Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and Pinellas County for more than a decade. We have flexible office hours, and we can meet with you after-hours if necessary. If you are unable to come to our office, we can meet you at home or in the hospital.

All uninsured motorist accident claims are handled on a contingency basis, and your initial consultation is free.

Contact us at (727) 270-8260 or online to schedule an appointment. We offer personalized service that focuses on you, not numbers!