South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Over 200,000 car accidents are recorded annually in Florida. Unfortunately, Florida is one of the most dangerous states to drive in. Because of its status as a no-fault insurance jurisdiction, drivers in the state must meet some requirements.
Florida drivers may find it difficult to assess the value of their auto insurance policy. As a personal injury law firm, we handle many auto accident cases in Miami, Florida. Most of our clients are surprised to learn that even with what would be considered “Full Coverage,” their auto insurance policy will not pay for all the costs associated with an accident.
Insurance companies generally refer to a full coverage auto insurance policy when describing a policy designed to protect policyholders against most hazards. But the fact remains that if you or a loved one gets significant injuries in a car accident, this may not pay for the medical care you need.
Your auto policy provides the minimum levels of protection for both bodily injury and property damage. Our Miami truck accident lawyers can help you seek fair compensation if you were involved in an accident. Read on to learn why you should understand your insurance policy before a crash happens.
What Does Full Coverage Car Insurance in Florida Include?
It would be best to have full coverage insurance in Florida to protect your vehicle. But what is full coverage?
The definition of the term “full coverage” is not universally agreed upon in the auto insurance sector. Instead of purchasing a cookie-cutter auto insurance plan, it’s best to tailor your coverage to your specific requirements.
Think about how much protection your possessions and investments require. Full coverage insurance can mean different things to different people. Any Florida full-coverage auto insurance policy must include a minimum liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
If your car is damaged by a storm, an animal, a flood, a fire, or was stolen or vandalized, comprehensive insurance will pay to have it repaired. Collision insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle if you’re involved in an accident, while liability insurance covers only the other driver’s vehicle.
What Is the Average Cost of Florida Full Coverage Car Insurance?
Your premium will vary based on the level, duration, and type of coverage you choose. Keep this in mind as you shop around for car insurance. Those purchasing insurance with coverage limits above and beyond the law’s mandates will likely pay a higher premium.
If you choose a higher deductible, your premiums for these policies will naturally be lower. Full coverage auto insurance in Florida costs approximately $1257 per year or $104 monthly.
Comparing insurance policies and inquiring about available discounts can help you save money. Your driving record can have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. You will pay more for car insurance if you are a young driver or have a history of moving violations and claims.
The Impact of Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law on Coverage Minimums
Due to Florida’s no-fault insurance system, PIP benefits are paid out regardless of who was at fault in an accident. After an accident, you can file a lawsuit against the negligent party if your medical bills and lost wages add up to more than $10,000 and your injuries are permanent.
Your bodily injury coverage will cover the damages if you are found to be at fault. Expenses related to physical harm will come directly out of your pocket if you don’t have health insurance. You must first file a claim under your PIP policy. Under this plan, you will have 80 percent of your medical costs covered. If you sustain serious injuries, the negligent driver’s policy will kick in.
Severe injuries include a total disability for at least ninety days, failure of a major organ or the entire body, broken bones, permanent scarring, and disfigurement.
In case of a car accident in Florida, the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage may be responsible for covering the other driver’s court-ordered settlement and legal costs. The driver is accountable for covering these fees if they have only the bare minimum in auto insurance.
Florida has a modified comparative fault system. If an injured driver is determined to be 50% or more at fault then the injured driver is barred from recovery of damages.
The Importance of Seeing a Lawyer before Filing a Florida Car Accident Claim
If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident caused by an uninsured motorist, a personal injury attorney in Florida can help you by:
Providing Experienced Legal Advice All Through the Insurance Claims Process
To determine the best course of action for your claim, your attorney will look into all insurance policies, the parties involved, and any other pertinent information. Our goal at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers is to help our clients understand the legal process and make informed decisions about their insurance coverage.
Negotiating Settlements with Insurance Adjusters on Your Behalf
While you may be a paying customer, your insurance adjuster may not have your best interests in mind. Your best bet for getting a reasonable settlement from an insurance company after a car accident in Florida is to hire an attorney who has done so before. Our legal team will fight for your right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Gathering Evidence
Our attorneys know what is expected of them during the discovery process of a personal injury lawsuit. If we know what information will be most beneficial to insurance companies, we can help our clients get the most out of their claims. We understand the importance of acting swiftly to protect evidence and meet deadlines for reaching a settlement.
Defend Your Cause in Court if Necessary
Your insurance company is a business that needs to make a profit, despite what it’s commercials may lead you to believe. This means that people’s attitudes will shift when a claim is being filed that may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We cannot stress enough that you should not think of the insurance adjuster who is evaluating your claim as a friend. You should assume that anything you tell an adjuster will be used against you. Despite your best efforts, insurance firms employ teams, including in-house attorneys, whose sole purpose is to find ways to reduce payouts to policyholders.
Suppose you have been underpaid or denied compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident and believe you are entitled to compensation. In that case, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Our legal team has extensive experience in litigating against insurance providers. This is often necessary when seeking adequate compensation after a significant car accident in Florida.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Most people only consider their insurance policy details once an accident happens. This is why many Floridians have either no insurance at all or minimal coverage when behind the wheel.
Planning ahead and acquiring adequate insurance coverage to guarantee complete financial protection in case of an accident is essential. You should also read and understand every element of your insurance policy.
Since your losses will likely exceed what the bare minimum policy will pay you, it’s best to invest in comprehensive coverage. If you were recently involved in an accident and are concerned that your insurance may not cover all of your expenses, call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers at (561) 800-8000 or fill in the online contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation and evaluate your case.