Getting into a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but the situation becomes even more complicated if you don’t have car insurance. Without insurance, you may wonder what options are available and what consequences you may face. This article will explore the potential outcomes of getting into a car accident without insurance and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
One of the most important things you can do is to get in touch with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh as soon as you can. The attorneys with our law firm are passionate about our clients. Even if you didn’t have car insurance, we’ll work to help you obtain maximum compensation if you weren’t at fault for the accident.
You can contact us for a free evaluation of your case by using our online contact form or by calling (561) 295-5825.
Seeking Insurance Coverage vs. Filing a Lawsuit
If the other driver is at fault, their insurance company may deny your claim or offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses. You may need to file a lawsuit to get the money you deserve. To do this, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident and that you suffered losses. If you’re successful in your lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Filing a lawsuit can be a complicated and lengthy process. A car accident attorney can help you determine the best course of action for your situation.
Car Insurance Requirements in Florida
In Florida, drivers must carry two types of insurance: personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) insurance.
PIP insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. PDL insurance covers damages you may cause to another person’s property.
Florida is a No-Fault State
This means that each party involved in an accident is responsible for their damages, no matter which driver is to blame. If you’re involved in an accident in Florida, your PIP insurance will cover your damages up to the limits of your policy.
If the police catch you driving without insurance in Florida, you could face stiff penalties. These penalties can include fines and license suspension. You may also be required to file an SR-22 form, which is a document that proves you have insurance.
What Losses Does Insurance Cover?
If you have car insurance, you may wonder what losses your insurance will cover in an accident. The answer depends on the type of coverage you have.
Liability coverage will cover damages you may cause to another person’s property or injuries they may sustain in an accident where you are at fault. Collision coverage will cover damages to your vehicle in an accident. Comprehensive coverage will cover damages to your vehicle that aren’t the result of a wreck, such as theft or natural disasters.
Can I Receive Compensation if I Don’t Have Car Insurance?
If you don’t have car insurance and are involved in an accident, you may still be able to receive compensation for your losses. As mentioned earlier, you can file a lawsuit against the other driver to recover damages. You’ll need solid evidence to prove you weren’t to blame to obtain compensation.
Another option is to seek compensation from your health insurance provider. Your health insurance may cover some of your medical expenses, but remember that you’ll still be responsible for any deductibles or copays.
It’s also important to note that Florida follows a legal principle known as “comparative negligence.” If an investigation finds that you’re at fault, that will reduce your compensation. If your damages are $100,000, for example, and an investigation shows you were 40% to blame for the wreck, then you’ll only receive $60,000 instead of $100,000.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help You?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and don’t have insurance, a car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process. An attorney can help you determine the best way to proceed, depending on your specific situation. That could mean negotiating a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company or filing a lawsuit.
An attorney can also gather evidence to support your case. Evidence will often include interviews with witnesses, police reports, surveillance camera footage, medical records, and more. They can also help you calculate the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
Having an attorney on your side can also protect your rights throughout the legal process. They can negotiate with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement or verdict in your case.
In addition to helping you recover compensation for your losses, a car accident attorney can also help you navigate the complexities often involved in this kind of case. They can explain your rights and legal options in plain language and help you make informed decisions.
Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh is Ready to Help
Overall, getting into a car accident without insurance can be a difficult and stressful experience. However, there are options available to you, such as seeking compensation through a lawsuit or negotiating a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. If you’re in this situation, you must speak with a car accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys with Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh have a lot of experience helping car accident victims, and we also have a long track record of helping them get the money they have coming. We’ll work to do the same for you, whether or not you had auto insurance at the time of the wreck. If you’re not to blame, we’ll do everything we can to help you achieve justice.
You can call us at (561) 295-5825 or contact us online for a free consultation.