If you are hit by an uninsured driver in Tampa, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning drivers are accountable for their own damages in the case of an accident. You may also have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
However, your coverage has limits, and usually only covers a percentage of your damages. If your damages exceed the amounts available through your insurance policy, you may need to take legal action against the at-fault driver. It’s smart to consult with a personal injury lawyer.
Our Tampa car accident lawyers have decades of combined legal experience advocating for the rights of Floridians who were injured in accidents. We fight for those who need it most. Call today for your free consultation and find out how we can assist your auto accident case.
Get Medical Care After Your Accident
If emergency personnel arrived at the scene of the accident, they may have taken you to the emergency room for treatment. If not, see a doctor as soon as you can, even if you think you are fine. Some injuries have delayed symptoms that can take weeks or reveal themselves.
It’s most important to be sure you are healthy after your crash, but visiting the doctor also serves another purpose. It creates a record of your condition and treatments, which may be essential later on if legal action becomes necessary.
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File an Accident Report if You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver
Police most likely arrived at the accident scene. It is legally required that you contact the police for accidents with injuries or greater than $500 in property damage. The officer who responded should have completed an accident report.
If police never arrive at the scene, you can make a traffic crash report yourself by contacting the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. An official crash report can help establish facts in a personal injury case.
Contact Your Auto Insurance Provider
Florida follows a no-fault system for auto insurance claims. When the other driver has no insurance, your own policy will become your primary source of compensation. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is your first line of financial support.
PIP will pay a portion of your immediate medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who caused the crash. If your injuries are relatively minor and medical costs are within the PIP limit, your own insurance may cover most expenses.
If you purchased Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, your insurer steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver and pays for your injuries up to your policy limits. UM coverage also applies to hit-and-run accidents when the responsible driver cannot be identified.
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File a Civil Lawsuit if Necessary
If your damages exceed what PIP and UM cover, or if you don’t have UM coverage, you may need to consider a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver to recover your economic and non-economic damages.
Unfortunately, winning a judgment against an uninsured driver does not guarantee you’ll be paid. If the driver has no assets, collecting damages can be difficult or impossible.
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Consult With Our Attorneys
An accident with an uninsured driver in Tampa can get complicated fast. If you are injured, reach out to our personal injury lawyer for help.
Every case is different, but some of the things we may be able to do to help include:
- Review your insurance policy to help you understand the coverage you have available to you.
- Handle communications with insurers to prevent the denial or undervaluation of your claim.
- Gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimony, to prove the extent of your damages.
- File the necessary legal notices and lawsuits before deadlines expire
- Negotiate for fair compensation that completely covers your losses.
- Represent you in court when negotiations aren’t possible.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters whose goal is to reduce what they pay. Even your own insurer isn’t necessarily on your side. Our attorneys level the playing field and protect your rights.
Get Help From Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers
You can do several things if you are hit by an uninsured driver in Tampa. First, reach out to your insurance company. As Florida is a no-fault state, your own insurance will cover a portion of your damages. This may be enough to get the compensation you need to recover.
You may also have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, which can help with your costs. However, this is optional in Florida. If not, you may need to consider legal action. You can file a lawsuit against the other driver or any other party that played a role in the crash.
Reach out to our legal team at Distasio Law Firm as soon as possible for a free consultation. We can review your case, advise you on the best course of action, and potentially file a civil suit against liable parties so you can recover your damages.
Call or text (813) 259 0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form