Being involved in a car accident in Miami could involve many essential details. Ideally, all drivers should be insured, and the necessary guarantees should be offered to make the trails safer for our community.
However, the ideal scenario is not always met. Due to certain circumstances, some drivers fail to obtain insurance in advance and commit negligence by driving on the streets without proper care.x|
Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer in Miami
Have you been involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist in Miami, Florida? Dealing with any insurance claim can be daunting, but uninsured motorist claims can be incredibly challenging. The insurance company may not prioritize your best interests, leaving you overwhelmed and uncertain about your rights.
At The Ward Law Group, our team of Miami car accident lawyers is here to alleviate your stress and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With over 25 years of combined experience and a track record of securing hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims across South Florida, we are dedicated to advocating for your rights.
If you've been injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
How Can an uninsured motorist accident attorney Help?
A minor car accident can have significant repercussions, especially when the other driver is uninsured. In such cases, insurance companies may resist paying total damages, adding to stress and uncertainty.
At The Ward Law Group, we stand by your side and fight for your rights. Our Miami car accident attorneys can assist you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident
- Gathering evidence to establish the fault of the uninsured driver
- Identifying all potential sources of compensation
- Documenting your injuries and related expenses
- Engaging experts and specialists as needed
- Ensuring timely submission of insurance claims
- Negotiating aggressively to secure maximum compensation
Ready to learn more about how The Ward Law Group can help you? Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Miami personal injury lawyer.
How Common Are Uninsured Motorist Claims in Florida?
Studies show that approximately one in every eight drivers in the United States was uninsured in 2019. Despite Florida's no-fault insurance rules, about 20% of all drivers lack car insurance.
Uninsured motorist claims often arise in hit-and-run cases, unfortunately, prevalent in Florida. In 2021, over 100,000 hit-and-run accidents were reported statewide, resulting in thousands of injuries and fatalities.
Miami-Dade County alone accounted for thousands of these accidents, highlighting the need for experienced legal representation in uninsured motorist cases.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Miami
Florida drivers are not mandated to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, having uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can prove invaluable if you're involved in a motor vehicle accident where your expenses surpass your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) liability limits.
UM coverage can come to your aid if:
- The at-fault party lacks car insurance to cover medical bills and other expenses.
- The responsible party is underinsured.
- You're injured in a hit-and-run accident.
While UM coverage is optional, nearly all insurance companies offer it and options for uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
Even in Florida's no-fault state, you can still hold responsible parties liable for damages if you sustain serious injuries. Once your PIP liability coverage is exhausted, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
You must demonstrate the other party's liability for causing your car accident to recover damages.
UM coverage becomes effective when the at-fault driver is underinsured or lacks the resources to cover your damages. However, you must also establish the uninsured motorist's liability to receive compensation from your UM policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage may be stacked or unstacked. "Stacked" coverage combines coverage limits for multiple vehicles, providing higher policy coverage limits and more excellent protection in a crash.
How Does an Uninsured Motorist Claim Work in Florida?
You initiate a claim against your uninsured motorist policy if the at-fault driver lacks insurance or adequate assets to cover your damages. Similarly, you can utilize your UM policy if you're injured in a hit-and-run accident in Miami.
As with any insurance claim, you must establish the extent of your damages, including:
- The severity of your injuries.
- Your physical and emotional suffering.
- Medical treatment costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Lost wages and income.
- Potential permanent disability.
If your claim is approved, you should receive compensation for the difference between your incurred damages and any amounts already received. If the at-fault party provided partial compensation, your uninsured motorist claim is adjusted accordingly.
Proving Negligence in an Uninsured Motorist Claim
To recover damages under an uninsured motorist policy, you must prove that the uninsured or underinsured driver caused your accident. This typically involves establishing negligence, which entails demonstrating:
- A legal duty of care.
- Breach of duty.
- Causation.
- Damages.
While proving negligence may seem straightforward, it can be challenging, especially if the uninsured driver alleges your fault. Insurance companies may contest your right to benefits under your UM policy by disputing negligence, alleging shared fault, downplaying injuries, or invoking policy limitations.
Our Miami attorneys understand insurers' tactics and can effectively counter unfair practices to secure fair compensation for accident victims. If you were injured in an accident involving an uninsured motorist, contact The Ward Law Group for assistance today.
Types of Damages Available Under an Uninsured Motorist Policy
Filing an uninsured motorist claim entitles you to various damages similar to those available in any personal injury case. These may include compensation for:
- Unreimbursed medical expenses.
- Lost wages and future earning potential.
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and specialized care.
- Property damage.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Physical disfigurement, scarring, and mental health issues.
- Loss of consortium.
Establishing the value of certain damages can be challenging, but our Miami car accident attorneys at The Ward Law Group are adept at handling every aspect of your claim. Schedule a free case review today to explore your legal options.
Filing a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida
While the insurance claims process can be lengthy, consulting with an attorney to meet all relevant deadlines is essential. In Florida, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but uninsured motorist claims have shorter timelines.
Following the revision of Florida's statute of limitations in March 2023, uninsured motorist claimants must adhere to a two-year deadline. Acting promptly to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation is crucial.
Uninsured motorist claims can be intricate, but our Miami car accident lawyers at The Ward Law Group are here to help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about your legal options.
Other Common Car Accident Claims in Miami We Manage
At The Ward Law Group, we specialize in handling a wide range of car accident claims in Miami, including:
- Airbag Injuries: Accidents can trigger airbag deployment, leading to injuries such as burns, bruises, and fractures.
- Chest Injuries: Collisions can result in chest trauma, including rib fractures, internal organ damage, and cardiac issues.
- Distracted Driving: Accidents caused by distracted drivers, including those texting, using cell phones, or engaging in other distractions.
- Defective Tire Accidents: Tire blowouts or tread separation due to manufacturing defects or improper maintenance can lead to accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Crashes caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
- Head-On Collisions: Frontal impacts often result in catastrophic injuries due to the high force of impact.
- Highway Crashes: Accidents occurring on highways or interstates, often involving high speeds and multiple vehicles.
- I-95 Accidents: Specific focus on accidents occurring on Interstate 95, a major thoroughfare in Miami.
- Intersection Crashes: Collisions at intersections due to failure to yield, running red lights, or other violations.
- Lane Change Accidents: Accidents caused by improper lane changes, resulting in side-swiping or collisions.
- Left-Turn Crashes: Accidents occur when a driver makes a left turn, often resulting in T-bone collisions.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Collisions in parking lots due to negligent driving or failure to observe traffic rules.
- Rear-End Accidents: Common accidents where one vehicle strikes the rear of another, often resulting in whiplash injuries.
- Red and Yellow Light Accidents: Crashes caused by drivers running red lights or failing to stop at yellow lights.
- Rollover Accidents: Vehicles overturning due to high speed, sharp turns, or collisions with other vehicles or obstacles.
- Seatbelt Injuries: Injuries resulting from seatbelt use during accidents, including bruises, fractures, and internal injuries.
- Self-Driving Accidents: Accidents involving autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles raise unique liability and legal issues.
- Single-vehicle accidents: These are accidents in which only one vehicle is involved, often caused by factors like speeding, weather conditions, or road hazards.
- Speeding Accidents: Collisions caused by excessive speeding, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
- SUV Rollover Accidents: SUVs are more prone to rollover accidents due to their higher center of gravity, which can result in serious injuries.
- U-Turn Accidents: Crashes occur when a driver attempts a U-turn, often leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
If you've been injured in any car accident in Miami, our experienced attorneys at The Ward Law Group are here to help. We'll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Our Miami Car Accident Lawyers Can Assist You
At The Ward Law Group, our experienced legal team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process. Here's how we can help:
- Determine Your Coverage: We'll help you understand if you have uninsured motorist coverage to protect you in case of accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers.
- File Your Insurance Claim: With our assistance, you can navigate the process of filing a claim with your insurance company, ensuring that you present a strong case for maximum compensation.
- Fight for Fair Compensation: Don't settle for less than you deserve. Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, insurance companies may try to offer you a low settlement. We'll negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the total compensation you're entitled to.
Insurance companies prioritize their profits over recovery, but you deserve an advocate who will fight for your rights. Our Florida personal injury attorneys have over a century of combined experience and a proven track record of securing millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
Contact an Uninsured Accident Attorney in Miami
Since the beginning, The Ward Law Group has been dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured victims throughout Florida. If you've been injured in a car accident, our team is here to help. Your initial consultation is free, and there's no obligation to proceed.
If we can assist you, we'll ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today online or by calling 855-DOLOR-55.