In the state of Florida there are 14 million licensed drivers which result in approximately 252,000 car accidents on a yearly basis. Of these 252,000 car accidents, over 48,000 occur in Miami-Dade County alone. Although the increase in population does wonders for the local economy, it unfortunately results in too many car accidents causing property damages, personal injuries, and deaths.
Because of the growing number of drivers on the roads of Miami-Dade County, the number of accidents that occur in a given year is likely to increase. Gone are the days when the likelihood of getting into a traffic accident was a distant possibility. The unfortunate reality is that you will one day be involved in a car accident. When that day comes, it is important that you understand your rights so that insurance companies do not get the better of you. Recent statistics show that over 23% of all drivers on Florida roads are uninsured and driving illegally. While that statistic alone is troubling enough, Florida law only mandates minimal insurance of $10,000 Personal Injury Protection and $10,000 Property Damage Liability to get behind the wheel of a car.
What is PIP Insurance?
Also called Florida No Fault Insurance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance covers you regardless of fault (i.e. whether or not you cause the crash). This PIP coverage will pay for your medical bills or lost wages. It is important to remember that every policy of insurance is different. For that reason, we recommend you speak with one of our attorneys to advise you of your rights.
What is Property Damage Liability?
This coverage pays for damages you or members of your family cause to other people's property in a crash involving your car.
As if the thought of being hit by an uninsured driver wasnt scary enough, 50% of Florida drivers carry only this minimally mandated insurance. So, under a scenario where you have the minimally mandated insurance and are hit by a driver who is completely at fault for the accident, and who also carries only the minimally mandated insurance, you will not be able to make a recovery against that persons insurance company. Only if that at-fault driver had Bodily Injury coverage (which again, is not mandated in Florida), will you be able to pursue a claim against that driver. Unfortunately, the chance of being hit by one of the 50% of Florida drivers that d doesn't ca rry Bodily Injury insurance is real. For that reason, it is highly recommended that each and every driver purchase Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM). UM coverage is insurance that allows you to make a claim under your own insurance carrier. Again, every policy of insurance is different. It is important to understand your rights and coverage. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact us.
For a free consultation, call Wattel & York anytime at (305) 537-4609 in the Miami area, at (954) 727-8300 in the Plantation area, or toll-free at (877) 333-9545. Or you can complete the form to your left and a representative from Wattel & York will promptly get back to you.