Uninsured Car Accidents In Bradenton: What Happens If You Get Hit By A Driver Without Coverage?
Being involved in a Bradenton car accident is bad enough, but finding out the other driver is uninsured makes the situation even more stressful.
Unfortunately, uninsured motorists are common throughout Florida, and Manatee County is no exception. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer helps clients in these cases and explains the risks and your options if you are in a crash with an uninsured driver.
Florida’s Insurance Laws and the Risk of Uninsured Drivers In Bradenton
In Florida, motorists must maintain a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. However, bodily injury liability (BIL), which pays for injuries caused to others, is not mandatory. This means many Florida drivers are without the coverage needed to compensate victims of serious crashes.
The Insurance Research Council reports nearly 20 percent of Florida drivers are uninsured, a higher percentage than in any other state. In Bradenton, this risk is compounded by seasonal visitors, tourists driving rentals, and others who may carry minimal or no coverage.
Unfortunately, this can impact your rights to compensation in the event of a crash. If you are involved in a car accident in Manatee County and the other driver is uninsured, your options may include:
- Filing a claim through your own insurer, using your PIP coverage for basic medical expenses and lost wages;
- Using your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you purchased it;
- Filing a car accident lawsuit in Manatee County directly against the at-fault driver (though collecting may be difficult);
- Exploring other liable parties, such as employers, vehicle owners, or third-party contributors to the crash.
Steps To Take if You Are Involved In A Bradenton Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver
If you get injured in a car accident in Bradenton and the other driver is uninsured, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are on the hook for losses. However, it does mean you need to act quickly and strategically to protect your rights:
- Call 911 immediately and ensure a full police report is filed, which is especially important when insurance is lacking.
- Collect the driver’s information, including license and vehicle registration.
- Take photos and gather witness statements to document the scene.
- Visit a local hospital or urgent care, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Review your insurance documents to see if you have UM/UIM coverage.
- Notify your insurer, but avoid making any statements or accepting a settlement without consulting an experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer first.
Even with uninsured motorist coverage, insurers may challenge your claim or offer less than you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer Today To Schedule A Consultation
Car accidents in Bradenton involving uninsured drivers can leave you facing serious injuries and heavy financial losses. At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we’ll thoroughly investigate your crash, identify all options for seeking compensation, and fight to get the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
To get the experienced legal guidance you need in this situation, contact our Bradenton car accident lawyer today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/insurance/
insurance-research.org/sites/default/files/downloads/UM%20NR%20032221.pdf
