Blog by Personal Injury Attorney
As a driver in Florida, it’s important to protect yourself and your family in case of an accident. One of the most important things you can do is to have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage and stacking of insurance policies.
It’s important to note that over 51% of the drivers on Florida’s roads do not carry bodily injury protection policies. This means that if one of these drivers causes an accident that results in your injury, there may not be any insurance money available to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages.
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may be left with costly medical bills and vehicle repairs. UM coverage can help protect you in case you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
UM coverage can also provide additional protection in case of a hit-and-run accident. If the other driver leaves the scene of the accident and cannot be identified, UM coverage can help cover your medical expenses and other costs.
In addition to UM coverage, stacking of insurance policies can provide additional coverage in case of an accident. Stacking allows you to combine the coverage limits of multiple insurance policies, which can be especially helpful in case of a serious accident that results in high medical bills and other expenses.
For example, if you have two vehicles insured under separate policies and both policies have a coverage limit of $25,000, stacking would allow you to potentially receive up to $50,000 in coverage in case of an accident involving both vehicles.
When purchasing car insurance in Florida, it’s important to consider these options and make sure you have adequate coverage to protect yourself and your family. Talk to your insurance agent about UM coverage and stacking of policies, and consider consulting with a Florida car accident lawyer, like Roger P. Foley, to make sure you understand your options.
It’s also important to note that even if you have UM coverage and stacked policies, you may still face challenges in obtaining compensation after an accident. Insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your claim, or the other driver may dispute fault. In these cases, it’s crucial to have a skilled car accident lawyer on your side who can advocate for your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Overall, protecting yourself and your family in case of an accident is crucial as a driver in Florida. Having UM coverage and stacking of insurance policies can provide additional protection and peace of mind, but it’s important to carefully review your policies and consult with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer to understand your options and protect your rights.
A short story to explain the consequences of not having Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida.
In Palm Beach County, Florida, a family experienced a tragic car accident when one of their members was seriously injured due to the negligence of another driver. Although the negligent driver had “full motor vehicle coverage”, the victim and his family quickly learned that bodily injury insurance was not mandatory in the state. Sadly, the victim only had basic insurance and did not have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
The medical bills for the injured family member piled up to more than $100,000, and their car was deemed a total loss. Moreover, the family member had to take several months off work to recover, leaving the family struggling to make ends meet. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to pay their bills and eventually fell into debt.
As the stress and financial strain continued to mount, the family began to fall apart. They argued constantly and couldn’t find a way to support each other through the difficult times. Eventually, they were forced to sell their home and move into an apartment. The accident had a lasting impact on the family.
This family did not know about UM coverage because the insurance agent never told them. They asked for full coverage and they got “ Full coverage”. The accident changed their lives. Do not make the same mistake.