Florida seems to make more “worst place” lists than any of us would like. Sometimes the heat is the culprit; other times, it’s the wacky headlines that seem to keep the Sunshine State in the news. But a new study is even more serious because it speaks directly to our safety on the roads.
Florida is the worst place in the country to get into a car crash. That’s according to a recent study by WalletHub, which looks at a whole host of financial factors affecting the cost of a car crash from one state to the next.
So what makes Florida so bad? The study points to a few things, including:
- High number of uninsured / underinsured motorists
- Minimal insurance requirements
- High rate of auto accidents
“Florida has the worst combination of lots of uninsured drivers and low-minimum requirements for drivers who do have insurance,” said WalletHub editor Karl Eisenhower. “This means that if you’re involved in a serious accident, there’s a better-than-average chance the at-fault driver will either have insufficient insurance or no insurance at all, potentially leaving you holding the bag.”
Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Unfortunately, even though Florida law does require every driver in the Sunshine State to carry at least minimal auto insurance, many motorists choose to drive without insurance anyway. That means that if someone without adequate insurance hits you, you might be left to pay for the damages for yourself.
Fortunately, there are a few protections in place. Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires your own insurance carrier to pay for your economic damages — up to your policy’s limits. But what if the cost of your medical care exceeds those limits? And what about property damage, which isn’t covered by the no-fault rule?
Ordinarily, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance would compensate you for the difference. But if the at-fault party is underinsured (i.e. has insufficient policy coverage, or perhaps no coverage at all), you’ll have to look for alternative compensation.
A Miami vehicle accident attorney can help. For example, you might have uninsured motorist protection through your own insurance company. Or there may be third party liability — an employer, perhaps, or another negligent party. Your lawyer can work with you to thoroughly investigate the accident and exhaust every potential avenue for compensation.
Compensation May Be Available, Even for Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Florida may be the worst place in the country to have a car crash, but that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. It just means you need an advocate who truly understands the law.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Florida, a Miami vehicle accident attorney at Kaire & Heffernan, LLC can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
Mark Kaire has been practicing law in Miami for nearly 30 years. He is dedicated to helping the injured people of Miami receive compensation. Mr. Kaire has been blogging on Miami’s legal issues for many years.