According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, an average of 625 crashes took place EACH DAY on Florida roadways in 2011. A recent study by the Insurance Research Council also found that the odds that at least one party involved in an accident in Florida is an uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) is around 25 percent.
This not good news for accident victims in Florida. Additionally, the Insurance Research Institute found that the average cost of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims in Florida rose by 62 percent from 2008-2010. This trend is likely to continue, adding to the costs and risks of driving in Florida.
Florida Statute 627.736 requires that all Florida motorists purchase $10,000 in PIP coverage and $10,000 in property damage liability with each auto insurance policy. However, in order to be fully covered, drivers should purchase insurance policies that cover both bodily injury liability and uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage.
The purchase of additional UM and/or UIM coverage is a choice rather than a requirement for Florida residents. But as Lynne McChristian, Florida representative for the Insurance Information Institute, said in a 2011 press release by InsuringFlorida.org:
“The mistake many people make is thinking that optional means unnecessary, and that is a costly mistake considering the high numbers of uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road.”
The same press release from InsuringFlorida.org goes on to state that:
“This additional insurance protection covers you if the at-fault driver cannot afford to pay for the damage he or she caused. Bodily injury liability pays for death or serious and permanent injury to others when you are legally liable for an accident. It also covers others who drive your car with your permission. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage includes protection from underinsured motorists (UIM). It reimburses you for injuries caused by three types of driver: uninsured motorists, drivers who have insufficient insurance and a hit-and-run drivers.”
The premium for additional UM/UIM coverage in Florida is often as little as $100 to $400 annually, depending on the coverage purchased. It’s a relatively small price to pay for coverage which may be needed to help defray the costs of accidents in Jacksonville, Florida. While Florida PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical bills, these bills may multiply very quickly in the event of a serious car crash. UM and UIM coverage pays these costs which would otherwise be the responsibility of an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Our experienced Jacksonville accident attorney can help you deal with all the challenges related to car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and commercial vehicle accidents. The Law Offices of Paul J. Healy serve the residents of the North Florida counties of Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns.
