Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Florida - Are You Fully Covered

If I have heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times: I am fully covered. Fully covered means different things to different people. In cases involving automobile accidents with personal injury, unless you carry uninsured motorist coverage, you are NOT fully covered. In the State of Florida, with respect to having automobile coverage for cases involving personal injury, drivers are only required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or "no-fault" insurance. PIP is insurance coverage provided by your own insurance company designed to pay for your own medical expenses and, in some cases lost wages. Florida Law requires this coverage up to $10,000.00 dollars.

In other words, you are driving down the road and another driver runs a red light and hits your car injuring you. You then end up with permanent injuries and medical bills in excess of $100,000.00. Florida Law only requires that each driver have coverage from their own insurance company to pay for their own medical bills up to $10,000.00, regardless of who was at fault in the accident; hence, the term "no-fault." Florida Law does not require drivers to carry liability insurance (bodily injury insurance) to cover claims of others who may be injured in an automobile accident. So when you are purchasing automobile insurance in Florida, and you are dealing with your agent, you are only required to get the PIP coverage. The agent may tell you that you are "fully covered" because you have complied with Florida Law. But nothing can be further from the truth.

In order to understand the importance of uninsured motorist coverage, it is important to distinguish it from bodily injury coverage. It is again important to keep in mind that neither uninsured motorist coverage; nor bodily injury coverage are required under Florida Law. Bodily injury insurance provides coverage to you in the event that you are at fault in an automobile accident and cause bodily injury to others. For example, you are the driver that runs a red light and hits another automobile injuring its occupants. Bodily injury insurance will cover you in the event that the occupants sue you seeking money damages for injuries they suffered in the accident.

This is also very important insurance coverage to have especially to protect assets that you may have accumulated over the years. But what happens if you are driving down the road minding your own business and someone else runs a red light and hits your automobile and injures you and you end up with permanent injures and over $100,000.00 in outstanding medical bills? Guess what? That other negligent driver, like you, is only required to carry PIP coverage. He does not have to have bodily injury insurance so that you can make a claim against his insurance company for your permanent injuries and $100,000.00 in outstanding medical bills. In other words, if that negligent driver does not have enough assets to cover your medical bills; you are out of luck. The negligent driver has complied with the law. Do you feel "fully covered" now? That's why uninsured motorist coverage is so important for the consumer to have.

You can purchase uninsured motorist coverage from your own company to provide insurance in the event that you sustain bodily injuries caused by another negligent motorist who does not carry any bodily injury insurance, or who does not carry enough bodily injury insurance to cover your damages from an accident. So in the example above, by having uninsured motorist insurance, you can make a claim against your own company to cover you for damages resulting from the negligence of other uninsured or under insured drivers. Moreover, the additional cost of this insurance is well worth the benefits that it provides. I urge you to review your automobile insurance policy to make sure that you have adequate uninsured motorist coverage. You should not consider yourself "fully covered" until you do.

Top 5 Things to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident

Accidents happen everyday, but when it happens to you, you are bound to be a little unsure of what to do at the scene. Here are the top five things you should consider at the scene of your accident.

1. Get to a safe place.

One thing that always astonishes me is when people who are in accidents leave their cars in the middle of the road. Then, they start walking around the road like that is normal. It is wrong. Get your car off the road if it is safe to do. Safety is the most important thing. Other cars are not paying attention looking for wrecks, so they may not be paying attention and see your cars. Make sure you are safe and can get to a safe location.

2. Call 911.

Everyone has a cell phone now days. So, if you have one, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on the other driver or assume the police and an ambulance will just show up. Go ahead and give the call them. The other driver may be injured. Sometimes, even though the other driver is responsible for the accident, they suffer more severe injuries. Safety first. Regardless of who is to blame for the accident, call 911 immediately.

3. Get information about the other driver.

This is so important. You must get the tag number. You must get the insurance information. You must wait for the police to arrive, unless you are leaving by ambulance, of course. If you fail to get the information about the other driver, things will not go well. You will be upset with yourself. You will have less recovery for your injuries. Now, I am not suggesting that if the other driver speeds away you go on a high speed chase to get their info. No. There is no reason to risk being injured or further injured for money.

4. Take photos of the scene.

This tip is quite different than the others. If you are not injured and in a safe place, then go ahead and start making all of your phone calls. Usually, people call their family, their work, or insurance company. These are all quite normal and reasonable. Now, use that cell phone for yourself. Take some photos of the scene. Is there road construction? Is it dark? Damage to your car? Is there damage to their car? Tire marks?

5. Do not let a bad situation get worse.

Try not to deviate too much from the above unless it is for safety purposes. Safety is the most important thing after an accident. Think how to keep yourself safe. Think how to keep the other driver safe. If you follow these tips, you will be ahead of the game. Your personal injury lawyer will be able to focus on the damages portion of your car accident case.

Free Tip!

I went to law school at the New Orleans School of Law in Louisiana. They have a concept their called Lagniappe. This means to get a little something more for free or an unexpected additional gift. So, here is your lagniappe. Seek medical attention after the wreck at the hospital. Your adrenaline is pumping. You may not start to hurt until later, but early treatment can go along way. You will feel better about it in the long run.

Top 5 Lies Told by Personal Injury Clients

As an Atlanta personal injury attorney, I have seen and heard some crazy things. Included in them are some of my favorite personal injury lies told by clients. Here are some of my favorites.

1. One of the top lies is about who actually caused the accident. Most accidents do not have witnesses. Let me rephrase that, most accidents do not have witnesses who stay around and give their name and contact information. With no one around, clients will play the credibility card. It goes something like, "that little kid" or "in some beat up car." The purpose is to establish a sense of who should have caused the accident rather than who actually did cause the wreck.

2. Another top lie that personal injury clients tell is about their previous injuries. I hear everyday someone say that they have never been in an accident. I hear them because I asked them directly. However, memories fail us all.

3. Another favorite lie that Atlanta personal injury clients tell is about how hurt they really are. If you know anything about soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, back strains, neck sprains, and the like, they are capable of being faked. These injuries are real, but they do not show up on x-rays. The doctor is not able to detect when a client is lying. In these types of cases, it is uncommon, but possible for a client to be "in the know" a talk up their pain level. They can tell the doctor on follow up visits that things are not getting better. This results in more medical bills and a higher settlement amount.

4. Want a lie about their job? Many clients will attempt to claim that they have side jobs. They may show up with a handwritten note from someone saying that they paid client $500 a week to clean the house. This lie does not go very far and will not work.

5. The final lie I hear is about their criminal past. Jurors do not like to give money to criminals and will not be sympathetic. The worst variation of this lie is when I find out that they have been arrested selling the medication they received in their personal injury case.

Speeding Ticket Legal Help

Most people may have experienced that dreadful moment when they look in their rear-view mirror and see flashing lights. Sometimes, someone might have no idea why they are getting pulled over. Other times, it is likely obvious to them. Whatever the case, no one likes it. At the very least, it usually means paying money, if not having your driver's license revoked or your car insurance cost raised. Depending on the situation, you might want to look into a speeding ticket lawyer who may be able to help you.

Most people have probably never considered hiring a lawyer for something like being pulled over, but there are things that a lawyer in this field can do. They can help you avoid that spike in insurance. They can also sometimes reduce your charges, and possibly even get points taken off of your license so that you can continue to drive.

As you look into speeding ticket lawyers, you will want to make sure that the firm is a legitimate one. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to check out businesses. You will also want to make sure that others have had positive results so that you don't lose the fees you pay them, in addition to your case in court. A firm that has lawyers who handle tickets should be willing to meet with you concerning your situation. In-person contact is an important part of hiring any professional. The desire for face-to-face contact shows that a business is not hiding anything and is willing to take time for you.

A speeding ticket is obviously not the worst crime to be convicted of, but so often, the results can be very detrimental. If you drive often for your job and suddenly have your license revoked, it could mean an even larger loss of money. If you caused someone to get hurt, then results can be even worse, and you could even be charged with more crimes. Whether or not you decide to hire a lawyer will likely depend on the situation.

Your best solution to a speeding ticket is to not get one in the first place. It happens so easily sometimes though, and it might not be your fault, especially if roads were not properly marked. Everyone has a different idea of what going over the speed limit means. Some people might think going 5 mph under is the way to go, others might think 5 over, and others might believe they should follow it exactly. As you decide on your speed, just remember that being late for an appointment will likely cost you a lot less than getting pulled over will. At least you do know that if you make a mistake, there are firms out there ready to help get you what you need.

Leading Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents

In the United States the trucking industry is a massive resource for the economy, raking in approximately 255 billion dollars each year. The American people rely on the trucking industry to deliver groceries, alcohol, building materials and all other types of consumer goods.

According to statistics, there are approximately 3.3 million trucks in operation on America's roadways that log billions of miles transporting goods across the nation. Our economy would be turned upside down if these trucks weren't in operation; therefore, they are relied upon heavily so our society can run smoothly.

Our heavy reliance on the trucking industry doesn't come without a price. High-pressure schedules, deadlines and pressure from trucking companies and the companies they service can put undue stress on a truck driver. As a result, we pay the high price for faster deliveries by dealing with more tractor trailer accidents.

A number of truckers are under a lot of pressure to log more miles and to make more deliveries. Many truck drivers are forced to contend with driver fatigue, and many of them take drugs so they can stay awake for days at a time.

Although driver fatigue and drug abuse are serious issues involved in tractor trailer accidents, there are other factors that cause truck accidents as well. Truckers can cause accidents by drunk driving, and they can become impaired when they take certain prescription medications that cause dizziness, or drowsiness.

Texting while driving is another serious issue that has contributed to all traffic collisions, whether they involved a small passenger car or truck, or an 80,000 pound tractor trailer. The problem is that when a truck driver makes a mistake while driving, the extent of the injuries and the property damage are far greater because of the tractor trailer's massive size and weight.

Around 500,000 trucking accidents occur in the United States each year, and approximately 5,000 of those accidents wind up in fatalities. The majority of the fatalities in tractor trailer accidents represent the drivers and passengers of the other vehicle, not the truck driver.

Trucking companies are supposed to abide by federal regulations when it comes to maintenance and proper loading. When a truck is improperly maintained, or when a truck is improperly loaded, it can spell disaster for other drivers and pedestrians around them if something goes terribly wrong.

Although most truck drivers are safe drivers, there will always be the minority who disregard safety rules and speed, or follow too closely behind other motorists. If these reckless truck drivers operate their vehicles while fatigued or while under the influence of methamphetamines, their unsafe driving patters can be magnified, thus increasing the chances of injuring someone around them.

If you or someone you love were seriously injured in a tractor trailer accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It can be very easy to be intimidated by a large trucking company if you handle it alone, you could also encounter needless delays, or have to contend with a low-ball settlement offer. All of which are likely to happen if you handle your claim on your own. An attorney will be able to go up against the company for you, so you can focus on healing and receiving proper medical attention. Your lawyer will have the legal expertise and the experience you need to pursue maximum compensation, and they can make sure that you aren't taken advantage of by the insurance company.

Facts About Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Most areas require you to carry uninsured motorist coverage. However, making sure you add enough can help you to save a lot in the event you are in an accident with a driver without insurance. Keep in mind millions of people are on the highways without coverage. Adding this portion of your policy is important.

Talk to your agent about the amount of uninsured coverage you need. Most policyholders take out the same amount of this coverage and liability. Consider the costs of one hospital visit for medical reasons related to the wreck. Imagine if these visits became more than one. Making sure you are going to be covered is vital.

Making a claim to your company about damages incurred in this type of accident is important. You should make this call as soon as possible after the accident. Be sure to gather the information you will need for relaying the events of the accident. Remember to file a police report as well as the other drivers information. If there are witnesses to the events, you might consider talking to them as well. Contacting a lawyer is a good idea.

Some accidents with uninsured drivers means a day in court. In most cases, a lawyer does become involved. You should make sure to select one soon after the accident. Discuss the event of the accident and learn if you will need legal representation. Several kinds of circumstances related to this kind of accident require legal interpretation.

You may also need a lawyer if your company has issues with your claim involving an uninsured motorist. You could be discharged from coverage under a breach of contract is some cases. Talking to an attorney is advisable before making final decisions about this kind of situation. You have less stress knowing your lawyer is doing the talking in some situations involving an accident.

You may get into an accident with driver that does have coverage. However, this driver might also not be in agreement with his or her company. Consider what your steps would be if that company called and said because of the non-compliance with the driver, your claim cannot be paid. You can file the incident with your company under uninsured motorist parts of your policy.

Taking your auto coverage seriously and learning all the details about can help you to save a lot of money. You can also rest knowing you have the kind of coverage you need for your personal circumstances.

Car Wrecks Are the Number 1 Killer of US Teenagers

Between 3,500 and 4,000 teen drivers die each year in motor vehicle accidents - that's more than 10 each day. Additionally, more than 350,000 teens are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries sustained in a car accident. That comes out to about one seriously hurt teen every 90 seconds.

And the frightening stats just keep coming - especially if you're the parent of a teen driver or soon-to-be driver.

In the United States, the crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 year-olds is four times the risk for older drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Risk is highest at age 16. In fact, the crash rate per mile driven is twice as high for 16 year-olds as it is for 18-19 year-olds.

It's enough to drive Mom or Dad to hide the keys and confine their child to the house until age 25!

But there are encouraging figures, too: death and injury rates for teen drivers have gone down substantially since 1975. This is generally attributed to a number of factors, including improved car safety, graduated driver licensing, increased awareness of seatbelt use, stronger enforcement of drinking and driving laws, reducing teens' access to alcohol and parents taking more responsibility for preparing their teens for driving.

Last week, U.S. News Media Group examined what states are doing to make their roads safer for young drivers and compiled the findings in its first ranking of the "Best States for Teen Drivers."

The District of Columbia is the safest and South Dakota is the most dangerous, according to the study. After D.C., the top 10 rounds out with California, Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Minnesota, Utah, and Washington. Tennessee is just outside the top 10, ranked the 12th safest state for teen drivers.

U.S. News examined states' driving laws and road conditions, stats on teen driver fatalities and injury accidents, average vehicle miles traveled per capita, percentage of teen drivers with licenses and other factors.

Some sources indicate that graduated driver licensing (GDL), wherein young drivers do not earn full driving privileges until they have more driving experience and maturity, has the greatest impact in reducing teen driver accidents and fatalities. GDL programs reduce, by an average of 11 percent, the incidence of fatal crashes of 16-year-old drivers, according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

GDL programs differ by state, but typically include a minimum age for obtaining a learner permit, a minimum number of hours of supervised driving, and restrictions on nighttime driving and carrying passengers.

Tennessee has three phases of licensing for teens under 18 years of age - learner permit, intermediate restricted license and intermediate unrestricted license.The requirements and restrictions earned Tennessee a Good rating in an IIHS review of states' GDL laws.

But laws only go so far. Young drivers are more prone to engage in risky behavior, they have less experience behind the wheel and they're more easily distracted. Parents must take responsibility for helping prepare and supervise their young driver.

Parents have to remember that they have the final say in how and when their teen will get a permit and drive. Regardless of what state laws require, driving privileges need to be given when your teen demonstrates the maturity to handle that privilege.

Ultimately, a parent wants to be sure they've done everything possible to keep their child from becoming an awful statistic.