The state of Florida ranks among the top states with the highest amount of fatal hit-and-run auto accidents. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident. How can you protect yourself if this were to happen to you? Protect yourself with the appropriate amount of Uninsured/Under-insured Motorist (UM) coverage!
In the state of Florida, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. When the at-fault driver flees the accident scene, a criminal investigation opens. Yet until the investigation can be concluded, could you seek any coverage or benefits for your injuries. You won’t want to wait to get the medical attention you need. Yes, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits will become available yet remember that it is only up to an initial $10,000 in medical coverage. What if you need a serious medical operation?
The only way you can protect yourself is to include an appropriate amount of UM coverage on your personal auto insurance policy, prior to an accident. UM, coverage will provide benefits to you (and others in your vehicle) if the at-fault driver was uninsured (without any auto insurance) or under-insured (not enough auto insurance). So if you were hit by a driver who flees the scene, or worse if the reporting agency can never conclude their investigation you would always have insurance coverage on your personal policy.
Florida does not require drivers to obtain UM coverage. Nor does Florida require any driver to have coverage should they injure someone else in an accident. We urge you to proactively review your UM insurance selections/options, before it is too late. You cannot select UM coverage following an accident.
The selection of hiring a personal injury attorney is critical to your care and attention as you recover. At the Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine, we have the experience of personally investigating your accident with the police and witnesses to present the facts of the accident. If you have any questions about coverage, our consultants are always free.
