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ABOUT FLORIDA CAR INSURANCE COVERAGE
Our Sarasota Lawyers Can Help You File a Claim
If you were in a car accident and suffered an injury, you may find that dealing with insurance adjusters can be a complex and intimidating process. Not only do insurance companies often try to pressure victims into quickly settling for less money than they deserve, but they may also have teams of attorneys advising them through the process. While Florida car insurance coverage is designed to get injury victims the compensation they deserve after an accident, injury victims may find themselves facing delays or denials by insurance companies. This is true whether you were injured as a pedestrian, as a motorcycle rider or passenger or especially if you were involved in a truck accident.
When involved in a traffic accident, the situation is immediately unfair and unbalanced. You or a loved one may be hurt. The last thing on your mind might be money. Negotiating with an insurance company can be difficult for the average person, especially if you are dealing with stress related to injuries and mounting bills. Pursuing an accident claim can be anything but straightforward, especially if the negligent driver was uninsured or underinsured.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Drivers in Florida are required to carry minimum amounts of car insurance. When an accident occurs, it’s natural to expect that the other driver’s insurance company will compensate you for your injuries and vehicle damage. That’s why an accident involving an uninsured motorist can be so frightening. If you were injured or suffered serious property damage in a car accident involving an uninsured driver, you have legal options.
If another driver is uninsured and causes an accident, you may be able to file a claim if you have purchased uninsured motorist protection. This allows you to get paid by your own insurance company if a negligent driver is either uninsured or does not have enough liability insurance to pay your bills. However, your own insurance company may give you the run-around when you were hit by an uninsured driver and you’re trying to get the compensation you rightfully deserve through your own policy.
At Farrow & Pulice, we don’t think that’s fair. If you were injured or suffered serious property damage in a car accident involving an uninsured driver, it’s wise to consult with an attorney about your rights. We can help file an uninsured motorist claim. We put our knowledge of the law and insurance company regulations to work for our clients.
Personal Injury Protection / No Fault Coverage
Changes in Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws took effect on January 1, 2013, under the guise of preventing insurance fraud. Under the law, Florida requires each driver to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage, which allows motorists to receive medical benefits if involved in an accident even when at fault. At Farrow & Pulice, our attorneys understand that changes to these important laws may jeopardize your right to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage.
As part of the changes to Florida’s Personal Injury Protection coverage, people injured in car accidents only have 14 days to seek initial treatment for their injuries. If treatment is sought after 14 days, nothing is reimbursed by insurance companies. Furthermore, policyholders may be eligible for as little as $2,500 in coverage as opposed to the previous limit of $10,000. Only those with serious injuries, and who sought medical treatment within the 14 day time frame, are eligible for the higher limits.
Changes to Florida’s PIP laws do not require insurance companies to notify policyholders of forthcoming changes and forced insurance companies to reduce their PIP rates by 25 percent. The 14-day window sets an extremely small window for injured drivers in Florida to seek medical treatment. Drivers who fail to seek help immediately may find themselves unable to collect compensation for their injuries without the help of an experienced attorney. Call 866-408-1220 immediately after your car accident, free of charge, to learn about your rights.
Contact Farrow & Pulice, P.A.
Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult and confusing. At Farrow & Pulice, we have the resources to pursue compensation, which may include medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering and other damages. Our firm can negotiate with the insurance company for you after your accident so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today at 866-408-1220 or contact our firm online to schedule your free initial consultation.
