Florida Injury Victim Lawyer Blog

Florida accident victims may soon find themselves with less or even no compensation for their injuries as a result of an automobile accident due to someone else's negligence. A recent study from the Insurance Research Council, and industry group, says that approximately one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured by 2010 due to the current economic recession and the resulting unemployment. Given historical factors the percentage is probably much higher in Florida and especially South Florida where a large percentage of drivers are without insurance.

The council found a strong correlation between the percent of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate: An increase in the unemployment rate of one percentage point is associated with an increase in the uninsured motorist rate of more than three-quarters of a percentage point. Based on current unemployment rate projections, the IRC says the percentage of uninsured motorists is expected to rise from 13.8 in 2007 to 16.1 in 2010.

The group did not break down their uninsured projections by state. It did note that 23 percent of Florida motorists did not have liability insurance at the end of 2007, the fifth highest percentage in the nation. That figure, however, is actually down from 24.1 percent in 2005.

Florida’s auto insurance law requires every motorist to have Personal Injury Protection to pay their auto accident medical bills and those of passengers. Coverage to pay damage to the other driver's vehicle or property is also mandatory. However, Florida auto insurance law does not require liability coverage or coverage for damage to the driver's own vehicle.

As a Florida attorney representing accident victims for over 15 years I frequently see accidents with too little or even no insurance to compensate the victim for their personal injuries, loss income, or even the damage to their car. This can all be avoided if Florida's drivers get the coverage they need. Comprehensive/Collision coverage will cover property damage to your own vehicle regardless of the coverage or lack of coverage by the other driver. While Bodily Injury coverage will cover the injuries of the other person if you are at fault for the accident by simply adding under or uninsured motorist coverage you (the insured) will cover your own personal injury and lost wages if you are injured due to the negligence of another driver with little or no insurance. These coverages can usually be obtained at a reasonable cost and should be discussed with your insurance agent. In today's economic environment these additional coverages could prevent you from economic hardship or even collapse if you are involved in a car accident.