Johnson & Gilbert is experienced with the complexities of Uninsured Motorist claims

What is Uninsured motorist coverage?  In 1961, Florida's legislature enacted the original uninsured motorist law which allowed drivers to purchase insurance coverage to provide protection for injuries caused by other drivers.  This coverage, commonly referred to as UM coverage, can be utilized in the absence of Bodily Injury coverage to help compensate for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.  Likewise, UM coverage is also applicable for underinsured drivers whose Bodily Injury (BI) coverage is insufficient to cover significant injuries caused by that driver's actions.

UM coverage can be valuable coverage.  Since Florida is a "no fault" state and does not require drivers to carry Bodily Injury coverage, UM could be your only source of recovery for injuries suffered due to another driver's negligence.  UM and BI are optional coverages; however, in you purchase BI coverage, Florida law requires that the insurance company offer UM coverage in equal limits to your BI policy.  In fact, you must specifically reject UM coverage.  If an insurance company fails to obtain a signed rejection, it must offer UM coverage equal to your BI limits.  In these cases, you may have UM coverage, even though your policy does not reflect this type of coverage.

Also, if you have more than one vehicle, your UM limits can be "stacked" or combined which increases your policy limits.  Once again, the insurance company must obtain a rejection of stacking coverage before denying the additional coverage.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and make a claim for damages under a BI policy, you must obtain approval from your UM carrier prior to settlement.  Florida law requires that a UM carrier has 30 days to accept or reject settlement.  Failure to obtain approval from a UM carrier prior to settlement could have serious consequences with regard to further recovery in a personal injury case.

These are just some of the common mistakes that can occur when dealing with UM claims.  At Johnson & Gilbert, P.A., we have years of experience in handling personal injury cases, and UM claims.  Our knowledge and experience in dealing with the complexities of UM claims is beneficial in helping clients recover monetary damages for the injuries suffered due to another driver's negligence.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an automobile accident, contact our office at 1-800-556-8890 for a free consultation or visit us at JohnsonGilbertlaw.com