Accidents happen unexpectedly, and when a hit-and-run occurs, the situation can be even more frustrating. Being involved in a hit-and-run accident on the Veterans Expressway may leave you grappling with both physical injuries and significant financial burdens. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and the possibility of lost wages can quickly add up. Fortunately, there is a safety net in place for those who are victims of such accidents – uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance can help alleviate the financial pressure when the at-fault driver is unidentified or uninsured.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage 
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is an essential component of auto insurance that provides protection in the event you are in an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene, making it impossible to identify them. Florida, while not requiring uninsured motorist coverage, highly recommends it due to the state’s high rate of accidents, including hit-and-runs. This coverage ensures that you are not left financially vulnerable due to the negligence or irresponsibility of another driver.
Uninsured motorist coverage typically helps cover several key expenses that might arise from a car accident, including medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and even compensation for pain and suffering. While many drivers assume that their health insurance or standard auto insurance will cover these costs, UM coverage is specifically designed to fill in the gaps when the responsible party cannot be found or is inadequately insured.
How UM Coverage Helps After a Hit-and-Run on the Veterans Expressway
A hit-and-run accident on the Veterans Expressway can leave you in a difficult situation. If the driver responsible for the accident flees the scene, they might be impossible to identify, leaving you with no clear way to recover damages from them. However, with uninsured motorist coverage, you have an option to recover your costs from your own insurance policy.
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If the responsible party cannot be located, UM coverage steps in to help cover:
- Medical Expenses: Even if the responsible driver is not found, uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your hospital bills, surgeries, follow-up treatments, physical therapy, and any other related medical costs.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working for a period, UM coverage can help replace the income you have lost due to the accident.
- Vehicle Repairs: UM coverage can assist in paying for the repair of your vehicle or even cover its replacement if the damage is extensive.
- Pain and Suffering: In some cases, uninsured motorist coverage can also help compensate for emotional distress, pain, and suffering caused by the accident.
Having this type of coverage means that, even though the responsible driver may never be found, you won’t have to bear the financial burden of their actions alone.
Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Florida is known for having a high number of hit-and-run accidents. In fact, the state ranks among the highest in the nation for hit-and-run crashes. In such a high-risk environment, it’s crucial to have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. While it’s not a requirement in Florida, it can make a world of difference if you are ever involved in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.” - Mary Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!" - Kylie Collier Border I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help." - Sandy Carter
The main reason to consider adding uninsured motorist coverage is that it protects you financially in the event that the person responsible for the accident cannot be identified or does not have enough insurance to cover your expenses. Many drivers in Florida opt out of purchasing sufficient coverage, leaving you vulnerable when they are at fault. Without UM coverage, you would likely have to rely on your health insurance, personal savings, or legal action to cover your costs, all of which may not be sufficient.
Additionally, even if the other driver is located, there is no guarantee they will have the financial means to pay for your damages. UM coverage ensures that you don’t have to depend on the at-fault driver’s insurance, especially in cases where they lack adequate coverage or do not have insurance at all.
What Happens If You Are Injured in a Hit-and-Run on the Veterans Expressway
If you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, your immediate concern will likely be getting the medical treatment you need. Afterward, the question of how to pay for your medical bills and other costs will arise. While Florida requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, PIP only covers a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages. It also does not cover vehicle repairs or pain and suffering.
When the responsible driver cannot be identified, and if they are uninsured, uninsured motorist coverage can fill the gap left by PIP and other types of coverage. Without UM coverage, you might find yourself struggling to pay for treatments, medications, therapy, and other related expenses. This makes uninsured motorist coverage even more critical, as it allows you to focus on healing rather than dealing with overwhelming financial stress.
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Filing a Claim for Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident on the Veterans Expressway and you have uninsured motorist coverage, it’s essential to follow the right steps to ensure that your claim is processed smoothly. Here’s what you need to do:
Report the Accident
Always contact the police immediately after a hit-and-run accident. File a police report and provide as much information as possible about the incident, including any details you may have about the vehicle or driver who fled the scene.
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run and inform them that you will be filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. Provide them with all the details and evidence you have collected.
Work with the Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim. They will review the evidence, your policy, and other relevant details to determine how much compensation you are entitled to. Cooperate fully and provide any additional documentation they request.
Consult with an Attorney
If you encounter difficulties with your claim, or if your insurance company offers a low settlement, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help ensure you receive a fair settlement and protect your rights during the process.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
While filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage may seem straightforward, the process can sometimes become complex. Insurance companies may not always offer the compensation you deserve, and the adjusters they assign to your case may not prioritize your needs. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side can help level the playing field.
An attorney specializing in car accidents and uninsured motorist claims can assist with the following:
Negotiating with Your Insurance Company
An attorney can help you negotiate with your insurance company to ensure that your claim is handled properly and that you receive a fair settlement.
Assessing the Full Value of Your Claim
A lawyer can help determine the full value of your claim, taking into account all the expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.
Protecting Your Rights
An attorney will protect your legal rights and help ensure that you do not accept a settlement that is less than what you are entitled to.
Serrano Law specializes in personal injury cases, including hit-and-run accidents. If you are struggling with your insurance claim or need assistance after a hit-and-run on the Veterans Expressway, don’t hesitate to reach out Serrano Law for a free consultation.