Were you or someone you love injured in an auto accident caused by an uninsured driver in West Palm Beach, Florida? Under Florida law, you can still recover compensation, and you may have a number of ways to do it. While Florida requires all drivers to carry insurance or show financial responsibility, there are many drivers on the road, who (unfortunately) do not follow the rules. A West Palm Beach uninsured car accident lawyer can help you pursue fair compensation in the event you encounter one of these drivers.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers is a South Florida law firm that focuses on car accident victims. We will protect your rights, help you pursue compensation, and navigate the complex world of Florida car insurance laws. We have a long track record of securing car accident victims the money they are entitled to for their injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering. We want to do the same for you.
At our firm, we believe our clients should pay for results only, so we never charge a fee until you recover compensation. To speak with a member of our team and receive a free case evaluation, call us today at (561) 899-5020.
What You Need to Know About Florida Insurance Laws
Like almost every other state in America, Florida requires all motor vehicle operators to carry auto insurance or otherwise prove that they are capable of covering liability damages from a car accident up to the state’s minimum levels. Under § 627.736 of the Florida Statutes, drivers are required to carry a unique, somewhat esoteric form of coverage known as personal injury protection (PIP).
Personal injury protection (or PIP insurance) acts kind of like a hybrid of liability and collision coverage. All Florida drivers must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. In the event of an accident, a driver must file a PIP claim with their own insurer before going after the other driver’s insurer for compensation—regardless of who was at fault. Only after a driver has maxed out their own PIP coverage can they pursue the other driver and their insurer for any accident-related damages that are left over.
PIP insurance is important in a car accident involving an uninsured driver because if your personal injury damages do not exceed $10,000, you might not even need to go after the negligent party at all. However, we still want to track the negligent driver down and hold them accountable, making them face consequences.
That said, it does not take much in medical expenses and lost wages to push the cost of a car accident over the required minimum PIP coverage in Florida. If your total damages exceed your PIP policy limits, a West Palm Beach uninsured car accident lawyer can help you pursue the excess costs. Call (561) 899-5020 to speak to a Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers team member today.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Florida
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you pursue several avenues for collecting compensation in an uninsured car accident in West Palm Beach. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, we may:
Hold the At-Fault Driver Liable
Just because the at-fault driver does not have car insurance does not always mean we cannot hold them financially liable for your damages. Although many uninsured drivers suffer financial hardships that make it difficult to pay premiums, that may not be the case for all uninsured drivers. We will investigate the driver and determine if they have assets we can pursue to cover your damages.
Negotiate With Your Insurance Company
Some insurance policies have uninsured motorist riders, which compensate policyholders for injuries and damages suffered in accidents with uninsured motorists. If your policy has this coverage, we can file a claim against it and your insurance company will pay what the other driver’s insurer would have covered had they been insured.
But even if you lack uninsured motorist coverage, your policy may have provisions that would enable your insurance company to pay you. If they do not agree to compensate you fairly, we know how to go toe to toe with them.
We Help You Pursue Compensation for Your West Palm Beach Car Accident
You may be eligible for a number of damages (both economic and noneconomic) for your West Palm Beach car accident. We want you to be compensated fairly. Your settlement or award may include compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The Statute of Limitations on Personal Injuries May Affect Your Case
The statute of limitations on car accident lawsuits in Florida is two years under § 95.11 of the Florida Statutes. If the deadline passes, you may lose your right to compensation. To prevent that from happening, our attorneys can file a quick lawsuit on your behalf. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today to learn more and to receive a free consultation. Do not wait to call our team. We can get started as soon as you reach out.
Call Today to Learn More About Your Options
A West Palm Beach uninsured car accident lawyer from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you pursue damages for the injuries and property damage you suffered in your collision, even if the other driver was not properly insured. We offer a free consultation and never collect a fee until you get paid. To learn more, call us at (561) 899-5020. We are ready to hear your story.