Car accidents are stressful, no matter the circumstances. From medical bills, car repairs, car rental, lost wages, and litigation, it’s not a pleasant experience. And if either driver doesn’t have auto insurance, the stress becomes more intense! Show
Florida Statute 324.021 establishes that every motor vehicle registered in the state must have proof of financial responsibility to pay for damages they may cause, for a minimum of $10,000. This doesn’t mean, however, that everyone on our roadways follows that law. In fact, Florida still has one of the highest rates of uninsured motorists. With that being said, you might have a ton of questions regarding car insurance and traffic accidents, including:
Keep reading to discover the answers to all of these questions so you know what to do if you find yourself in any of these stressful situations. What Does it Mean to Be at Fault?Florida is a no-fault state. This means everyone involved will be required to have their insurance pay a portion. However, if a party involved is able to prove that the other one is more at fault they can file a claim to get the at-fault party’s insurance provider to pay for their damage. This can be hard to do without proof so make sure you get proof at the scene of the accident. So what instance may you be at fault? If you:
While these are some of the main reasons one may be considered at fault each situation is different and therefore you should consult with a lawyer immediately after an accident. If You Were at Fault:If you caused a car accident without insurance, be aware that you could face the following consequences:
If you were at fault infractions can remain on your license for anywhere from three to ten years. If the Other Party Was at Fault:If the other party was at fault and didn’t have car insurance, you have several options:
What happens if you have no insurance but the other driver was at fault?If you were in a car accident without insurance and are not at fault, contact an experienced attorney to see which option is right for you. With the right attorney on your side, you may still be able to receive compensation for the accident. However, it all depends on the circumstances that stand around the collision and how your attorney navigates the case. Tip: Keep in mind that if you were not at fault, diminished value claims may be an option for you. Can I Get Insurance Coverage After My Car Accident?If you get in an accident and do not have insurance you should purchase coverage as soon as you can. Once you buy your policy you then need to inform the insurance company that you were in an uninsured accident. Then you will be issued an SR-22 or FR-44 which is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. This proves that you have liability auto coverage and you are a high-risk driver. If you have any questions about this you should contact a lawyer to get advice on how to communicate with an insurance company so that you can make sure you are covered. What if the Car I’m Driving is Insured?If you are not insured but the car you are driving is, you may be covered. For example, if you got permission to drive someone else’s car and they insured it you may be covered under the owner’s insurance policy. Most auto insurance policies cover anyone in the primary household of the owner of the car. If You Got Into a Car Accident Without Insurance and Were Not at Fault Let Us Help YouEvery car accident is different. There are many factors that determine your level of liability, and that liability could be diminished, depending on the circumstances. In addition, we’ll look for ways to have all of your expenses covered. At Carey, Leisure & Neal, we have over three decades of combined experience successfully representing clients involved in car accidents. All of our Florida car accident attorneys are accessible and Board Certified in civil trial law. Contact us online or call us at 727-799-3900 to schedule a free consultation. Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship. |