It’s an unfortunate reality that car accidents are unpredictable occurrences that can dramatically alter our lives in a split second. If you are involved in a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance to will compensate you for lost wages, unpaid medical bills, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, along with other accident-related costs. But what happens when the responsible party doesn’t have adequate, or worse, any car insurance? This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes into play.
Understanding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of automobile insurance that provides protection if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured. In simpler terms, it’s a safety net that ensures you aren’t left financially devastated because someone else failed to carry adequate insurance.
In some cases, the other driver might have insurance, but it may not be enough to cover all your expenses—this is referred to as an underinsured motorist scenario. In such cases, underinsured motorist coverage, which typically comes as part of your uninsured motorist coverage, will cover the difference.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Include?
Uninsured motorist coverage typically provides protection for:
Bodily injury: This refers to the medical costs that arise from physical harm due to an accident. These might include hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
Lost wages: If the accident results in time off work, uninsured motorist coverage will help recover these lost wages.
Non-economic damages: These include costs related to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life following the accident.
Why Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Important?
The importance of uninsured motorist coverage cannot be understated. According to the Insurance Information Institute, roughly one in eight drivers on the road is uninsured. This presents a significant risk to all other drivers, especially in a state like Florida where the rates of uninsured drivers are higher than the national average.
Even if you’re not at fault, without uninsured motorist coverage, you could find yourself having to shoulder the financial burden of an accident caused by the negligence another driver.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, please contact the WLT Law Firm, we are committed to ensuring that you receive the full compensation that you deserve.