- By: David J. Zappitell
- uninsured motorist insurance
- Mar 10
- Comments (0)
If You Get Hit by an Uninsured Motorist in Florida, You May Get NOTHING!
Car accidents happen every 44 seconds in Florida, and Delray Beach has some of the most dangerous accident intersections in Palm Beach County. What’s worse, the IRC revealed 1 in 5 Florida drivers DO NOT HAVE ANY AUTO INSURANCE! These are called ‘uninsured motorists’.
What many drivers don’t realize until it’s too late is that if the person who hits them doesn’t have insurance, they could be left with nothing – no compensation for the accident they just endured!
So how do you ensure you get compensated if you get in a car wreck caused by someone with no insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you in these situations, but too many drivers in Florida either don’t have it or don’t carry enough.
At the Zappitell Law Firm, located in Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove Arts District, we’ve seen firsthand how a lack of uninsured motorist insurance can ruin a victim’s chances of receiving fair compensation. As Delray Beach accident lawyers, we help clients across Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach fight for the compensation they deserve.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), 15.9 percent of Florida drivers do not have insurance on their vehicles. |
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) provides financial protection when you’re in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. In Florida, where nearly one in five drivers is uninsured, this type of coverage is essential.
UM also applies if you’re hit by a hit-and-run driver. Without this coverage, you’re stuck paying for your medical bills and damages out of pocket, even though someone else caused the accident.
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is a related protection that covers you when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your expenses. Given Florida’s low minimum insurance requirements, many drivers carry only $10,000 in property damage liability, which only covers damage to your car and will do nothing if you have serious injuries.
Why Uninsured Motorist Insurance is Critical in Florida
Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance, meaning many people on the road are completely uninsured. If someone without insurance crashes into you on Ocean Boulevard or while pulling out of a driveway on Swinton Avenue, your only hope of recovering damages may be your own UM plan.
Real-Life Example: A motorcyclist riding on US1 was hit by a distracted driver who ran a red light. The driver had no insurance, and the victim didn’t have UM. Medical bills alone exceeded $200,000, leaving the victim with no way to recover financially.
| “We’ve seen too many cases where a victim has a valid claim but can’t recover compensation because they didn’t carry UM coverage. It’s one of the most important protections Florida drivers can have.” |
| – David J. Zappitell, founder of the Zappitell Law Firm |
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
The best way to protect yourself is to match your uninsured motorist insurance limits to your bodily injury liability coverage. Many drivers opt for $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, but higher limits are available and often recommended.
TIP: Our founder and top car accident lawyer David Zappitell recommends you get the MAXIMUM uninsured motorist coverage!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your UM Coverage:
- Your Risk Exposure – If you regularly drive on major roads like I-95 or through high-traffic areas in Delray Beach, you have a higher risk of encountering uninsured drivers.
- Medical Costs – Even a minor accident can result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. UM coverage helps pay for these expenses.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, UM can cover lost income.
Family Protection – If you’re carrying passengers, higher limits help ensure they are also covered.
What Happens If You Don’t Have UM Coverage?
Without uninsured motorist coverage, you’re taking a huge financial risk. Here’s what can happen if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver:
- You Pay for Your Own Medical Bills – If you’re seriously injured, your medical expenses could bankrupt you.
- No Compensation for Lost Wages – If you’re out of work due to your injuries, there’s no way to recover lost income.
- Limited Recovery Even If You Sue – Many uninsured drivers have little or no assets, meaning you likely won’t be able to collect anything even if you win a lawsuit.
Real-Life Example: A family traveling on Linton Boulevard was hit head-on by an uninsured driver. Their injuries required multiple surgeries, but they didn’t carry UM coverage. Despite clear negligence, they couldn’t recover damages because the at-fault driver had no assets.
Florida drivers who don’t carry UM coverage are gambling with their financial future. It’s one of the few policies that truly protects you from other people’s irresponsibility. |
How the Zappitell Law Firm Can Help
If you’ve been in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, the Zappitell Law Firm can help you explore your legal options. We work with clients throughout South Florida, helping them fight insurance companies that try to deny or minimize valid claims.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Investigating Your Coverage Options – We review your policy to determine if you have UM or other benefits that may apply.
- Negotiating with Insurers – Even when you have UM coverage, your insurance company may still try to lowball your claim. We handle negotiations to get you the settlement you deserve.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary – If your insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
| “Insurance companies are not in the business of paying claims quickly or fairly. Our job is to hold them accountable and make sure our clients get the compensation they’re owed.” |
| David J. Zappitell, founder of the Zappitell Law Firm |
Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late
Car accidents happen every day in Palm Beach County, from fender benders on Congress Avenue to serious crashes on Jog Road. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, you could be putting yourself and your family at financial risk.
The best time to review your policy is before an accident happens. If you’ve already been in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact the Zappitell Law Firm today. We’ll review your case and help you take the next steps toward recovering what you deserve.
Call Us Today
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t leave your financial future to chance. Contact the Zappitell Law Firm to speak with an experienced Delray Beach accident lawyer. We’re here to help you get the compensation you need to recover.
Click here or give our team a call at (561) 330-6330 for a FREE consultation.