If you were involved in a car accident with another driver who did not have insurance, you are not out of options for financial recovery. Tampa lawyers typically deal with uninsured driver accidents by taking one of two paths: seeking damages from your insurance company or suing the negligent driver. An attorney can also help you explore the personal injury protection (PIP) portion of your insurance policy.
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers know how to seek damages for injury victims. We will review your claim and your compensation options at no cost to you. Your lawyer will also cover all the costs of building your case, deal with your insurance company, and fight to recover your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more.
Your Lawyer Will Explore Every Possible Avenue Of Financial Recovery For You
A car accident is a frustrating experience that can leave you with injuries, medical bills, lost earning opportunities, and more. Learning that the driver who caused your accident did not have insurance can make an already stressful situation much worse.
You may have other methods of getting compensation to avoid enduring financial hardship because of someone else’s negligence. Rather than fight on your own, a Tampa uninsured car accident lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process and identify your financial recovery options.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) May Cover Some Of Your Post-Accident Expenses
PIP insurance is mandatory for all registered vehicle owners in Florida. Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, immediate PIP compensation generally includes:
- Up to $10,000 in medical and disability payments (up to 80% of your reasonable and necessary medical care)
- Up to $5,000 in death benefits for a fatal accident
- Up to 60% of your lost income
- Up to 100% of replacement household services
Per Florida Statutes § 627.736, PIP will only cover medical expenses if you seek medical care within 14 days of the accident. While you focus on taking care of yourself, your Tampa car accident lawyer can help you tap into this initial form of compensation.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Protection Can Cover Costs That Exceed PIP’s Limitations
If your post-accident costs exceed your PIP policy’s limits, you can seek compensation from your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to recoup these additional damages:
- Economic damages, including medical bills, lost wages, lost earning ability, and property damage, loss, or diminishment
- Non-economic damages, including lasting disability, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life
If you lost a loved one in a car accident, your family can seek wrongful death damages, including funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium and care. Your Tampa fatal accident lawyer will clarify who can file a wrongful death action and which family members can recover damages.
A Lawyer Can Help You Sue The Uninsured Driver
In some situations, you could file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you in an effort to recoup your post-accident expenses and losses. Your Tampa uninsured motorist car accident lawyer will be familiar with this process and can guide you through it. The process of resolving your car accident lawsuit could involve:
- Naming the at-fault driver in your lawsuit
- Completing all required court paperwork
- Participating in deposition sessions
- Paying any associated fees to the court
- Having the at-fault driver served with a summons
If a personal injury attorney represents you, they will do all this for you. They will also take time to define each step, including the varying ways the court may order the negligent driver to compensate you.
You Face A Strict Deadline To File Your Car Accident Lawsuit
Florida gives you a small window to file a lawsuit after a negligence-based accident. Accordingly:
- The personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years from the accident date, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a)
- The wrongful death statute of limitations is generally two years from your loved one’s death date, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(e)
If you miss or misinterpret the filing deadline, you could inadvertently forfeit your right to take legal action. A lawyer can file your lawsuit on time, meaning you can avoid the costly consequences of non-compliance.
Your Car Accident Lawyer Will Deal With Your Insurance Company For You
Your lawyer will manage every part of dealing with the insurance company after an accident. When they communicate on your behalf, they can protect you from saying or signing anything that might compromise your claim.
They will also aim to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Build a compelling evidence collection
- Prove the at-fault driver’s negligence
- Canvass for photos and video footage
- Interview accident eyewitnesses
- Complete and submit claim forms
- Respond swiftly to your questions
Your motor vehicle accident lawyer will also provide ongoing updates on your case’s progress and negotiate for the best available settlement on your behalf. They can field offers, measure their pros and cons, and guide you toward a well-informed settlement decision.
It Costs Nothing Out Of Pocket To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer In Tampa
Hiring a car accident lawyer is both risk-free and cost-free. Your auto accident lawyer will cover any upfront costs associated with building your uninsured motorist claim or lawsuit, including:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witnesses
- Discovery costs
- Deposition expenses
- Mediation costs
- Obtaining evidence
- Investigation costs
You will not pay anything out of pocket. If your lawyer resolves your case with a settlement or a verdict, they will receive a percentage of your recovered damages. If you do not recover damages, you will not owe the personal injury law firm any fees.
Get A Free Review Of Your Uninsured Driver Accident
If you were injured in an accident with a driver who did not have insurance coverage, we can help you seek fair compensation. We can pursue your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, sue the negligent driver, and explore other potential legal options.
You do not have to deal with the legal aspects of your case without support. Learn more about how our Tampa lawyers deal with uninsured driver accidents. Contact our consultation team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to get started today.
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