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Just about everyone who operates an automobile in Florida and elsewhere throughout the country knows that he or she should carry a certain amount of auto insurance in order to be in compliance with the law. Still, despite a toughening of the laws and a crackdown on uninsured motorists in recent years, Florida continues to have some of the highest numbers of uninsured motorists in the U.S. 

The economy has caused many people who have experienced changes in their financial standing to either forego carrying auto insurance or not carry enough insurance because insurance rates can be quite costly. So what is an accident victim to do if he or she is in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist? According to Fort Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey, individuals should seek the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney as soon as possible in order to determine proper legal options.

The Laws Regarding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists

Florida's law regarding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage clearly states, in part, that "no motor vehicle liability insurance policy which provides bodily injury liability coverage shall be issued or delivered in Florida unless the uninsured motor vehicle coverage is provided." However, policyholders can elect to decline such coverage. People decline uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for a variety of reasons, but your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will tell you that doing so might be a huge mistake. There are definite advantages to carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under your own policy.

Know Your Rights and Protect Yourself

One of the primary ways a driver can protect him or herself should there be an accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist is to choose to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage through his or her own insurance company. Some people mistakenly believe that they don't need to carry the extra coverage because they figure that their health insurance will take care of them in the event of a crash. However, the coverage offered by health insurance might not suffice, depending on the severity of the injuries. Individuals who carry uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance will be able to file claims against their own policies to obtain monetary compensation for their damages, to include lost wages, future medical bills and pain and suffering, where an at-fault driver does not have auto insurance or has insufficient insurance.

If you or someone you love has been injured and/or sustained damages due to an uninsured/underinsured motorist, let a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer at The Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, PA help you fight for your rights. Call us today for a free consultation.