Bailey Fisher, PLLC and its attorneys and staff devote a large amount of time and resources to representing individuals significantly injured in motor vehicle accidents. As we all look for ways to cut our expenses in these trying economic times, it has become evident to us that more and more people are reducing their automobile insurance limits in an attempt to reduce their premiums. In fact, while the laws in the State of Florida are clear in requiring minimum mandatory insurance coverage, a growing number of drivers are carrying no insurance at all. According to a study performed by the Insurance Research Council, in 2007 Florida ranked 5th in the country in number of uninsured drivers on the state’s roadways. If you are involved in an accident while driving on Florida’s roadways, there is a 23% chance that you will be struck by a driver carrying absolutely no automobile insurance coverage. Additionally, there are a significant number of drivers carrying only the minimum requirements of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability coverage, which would provide nothing to compensate you for your injuries.
Now more than ever you need to take steps to be sure that you are protecting yourself and your family in the event you are involved in a car accident. We all make sure that our children are safely secured by seat belts or child car seats before leaving the driveway or parking lot. We do our best to limit distractions while we drive to ensure that we keep ourselves, our loved ones and those around us safe. By adding Uninsured Motorist coverage to your automobile insurance policy, you are adding another layer of protection to you, your family, and other passengers in your car.
Uninsured Motorist coverage is different from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is required by Florida law. If you are injured in a car accident, PIP coverage will pay a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages on an as-needed basis up to the policy limit of $10,000. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is an elected coverage on your automobile insurance which can provide money compensation to you in the event you are injured through the negligence of a person who is either uninsured or inadequately insured.
The premiums for UM coverage are often nominal in comparison to those premiums you pay for Bodily Injury Liability coverage. If you are spending the money to protect people you don’t even know, shouldn’t you be paying those extra few dollars to protect yourself and those people who are most important to you?
Take a moment to review your automobile insurance policy declarations page to confirm that you are carrying Uninsured Motorist coverage at least equal to the limits of Bodily Injury Liability coverage. If you are not, Bailey Fisher and its attorneys strongly urge you to contact your insurance agent to increase your Uninsured Motorist coverage to ensure you are fully protected should the unexpected occur.
