According to the Insurance Information Institute, a staggering 26.7% of Floridians do not have car insurance. When these drivers collide with pedestrians or other motorists, they often flee the scene knowing that they have no way to pay out compensation to injured victims. Fortunately, those injured have some options for covering their medical bills and lost wages, but you might need a Miami car accident lawyer to help you.
Use Your PIP Benefits
If you registered a vehicle, you should have personal injury protection benefits, called PIP. Florida requires that you have at least $10,000 in benefits, though you can certainly buy more. PIP pays 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages up to your policy limit.
PIP benefits are no-fault, so you can tap them regardless of who is to blame for the crash. Pedestrians can also use their PIP benefits or the PIP policy of a family member they live with.
Tap Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This insurance, called UM insurance, is optional. However, you might have purchased it. Check to see if you did. When hit by an uninsured motorist, you can make a claim with your insurer, who will cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Your UM insurance might be “stackable,” which can greatly increase the amount of compensation available. For example, you might have a $100,000 UM policy for two vehicles. In this example, you can stack the $100,000 for each vehicle to obtain up to $200,000 in benefits.
UM insurers sometimes try to deny claims, so you should meet with a Miami car accident attorney for help, if necessary.
Use Your Health Insurance
This might be an option for someone who has medical bills stemming from a car accident but no other insurance. Some insurers exclude coverage for injuries suffered in a car accident, so check your policy. Also, some insurers want to be reimbursed for the medical care if you get a settlement.
Sue the Driver
Even if the driver is uninsured, you might be able to sue. Some drivers have other assets that can be used to pay a judgment against them, such as cash in the bank, a car, or investment property.
Reach out to a Miami Car Accident Attorney for Help
Injured motorists have many options for obtaining compensation even when the driver at fault for the collision is uninsured. Contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein today, 305-371-2692, to schedule a free consultation.