Are You Insuring Defensively?

We’ve all heard how important it is to drive defensively; but what about insuring defensively? A recent study by the Insurance Research Council found that one in every four Florida drivers may be driving without insurance. With a strong correlation between uninsured driving and unemployment, that number only grows as we continue to face tough economic times. Florida law requires every driver to have automobile insurance, and a driver who doesn’t may be fined, lose their license, or lose their registration or vehicle tag. However, drivers who are facing tough situations like unemployment or underemployment may take the risk and break the law that requires they have automobile insurance before operating their vehicle. This is a big risk not only for themselves, but for other drivers on the road as well. 
To protect yourself against this risk, it is important to have adequate insurance coverage in case you are ever in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver. In order to protect yourself, you should purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance policy. This will protect you if you are in a collision with an at-fault driver whose own insurance cannot cover your vehicle damage or your bodily injury. Our firm regularly evaluates claims that involve at-fault drivers who have no, or not enough, insurance. Florida’s laws on debtor protection often make it difficult or impossible to collect against an at-fault driver if they are uninsured. There are many lawyers who don’t understand the intricacies of Florida’s insurance law, so it is important that you find an attorney who has experience and expertise in accident cases involving insurance. Our experienced attorneys have spent years working within Florida’s system to get recoveries for injured motorists. If you or someone you know has been in an accident and is faced with the daunting task of sorting through the intricacies of our insurance system, please feel free to contact us to get more information on how we can help you recover for your losses. 

Who is responsible for medical bills after an accident?

Question:

SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT MY OWN INSURANCE COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY MEDICAL BILLS FROM A CAR ACCIDENT, EVEN IF THE OTHER DRIVER WAS AT FAULT. IS THIS TRUE?

Answer by Attorney Keith Taylor:

Under Florida Law, every vehicle is required to maintain certain minimum insurance. This minimum insurances is often referred to as “No-Fault” insurance. “No-Fault” comes from the law in place, which requires each vehicle to have at least Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage (PD) insurances. PIP coverage provides for the payment of 60% of lost wages and 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses. PIP insurance is considered ‘primary’ insurance for medical treatment for injuries related to an automobile accident. So, essentially, that is correct; Your auto insurer will pay for your medical bills (assuming you have the Florida required coverage) after any deductible you may have chosen, and up to the amount of your coverage, which can be no less than $10,000.00. Remember, however, that under PIP, only 80% of the bills are covered, so you may have to resort to other insurance (Medicare, Health Insurance, etc...) or even into your own pocket. Certain additional rights exist if you have a Permanent Injury, and you should consult a qualified attorney to discuss those rights.