You’re shaken. Your car is totaled. And just when you think it can’t get worse, you find out the other driver doesn’t even have insurance.
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Florida, you’re not alone — and you still have options.
At Andrew Pickett Law, we help people in Brevard County and across Florida navigate these tricky, stressful situations — so they can focus on healing, not stressing about bills.
How Common Are Uninsured Drivers in Florida?
Unfortunately, Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation.
According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured — almost 1 in 5 cars on the road. (Source)
Why? Florida’s insurance laws require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) but not mandatory bodily injury coverage. Some drivers take the risk of driving without insurance altogether.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
What Insurance Covers You After an Uninsured Driver Crash?
The good news: Florida’s insurance structure gives you some immediate protection, even if the other driver has nothing.
Here’s what may apply:
1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance covers your medical expenses and lost wages — up to your PIP limits — regardless of who caused the crash.
- PIP typically covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000.
- You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify.
2. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If you purchased UM/UIM coverage (it’s optional but highly recommended), it can:
- Pay for your medical expenses,
- Cover lost wages,
- Provide compensation for pain and suffering,
- And even protect against hit-and-run drivers.
UM coverage basically steps into the shoes of the missing or uninsured driver.
3. Collision Coverage
Your own collision coverage (if you have it) can pay for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of fault.
What If You Don’t Have UM/UIM Coverage?
If you don’t have uninsured motorist protection, things get more complicated — but you’re not out of options.
You may be able to:
- Sue the at-fault driver personally. However, if they couldn’t afford insurance, they may not have enough assets to make a lawsuit worthwhile.
- Explore third-party claims if another entity (like an employer or vehicle owner) was partially responsible.
This is where an experienced attorney makes a world of difference, investigating every possible avenue for compensation.
A Real-Life Story: Handling the Unexpected
Imagine Maria, a young teacher in Melbourne, FL. She was sideswiped on U.S. Highway 1 by a driver who sped off — a classic hit-and-run.
Luckily, Maria had purchased UM coverage. Her attorney helped file a claim under her own policy, and within months, she received enough compensation to cover her surgeries, rehab, and lost teaching time.
Without UM coverage and legal help, Maria might have faced enormous medical debt alone.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver (or in a hit-and-run), take these steps right away:
- Call the police and file a report. Always.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if you feel okay.
- Notify your insurance company, but be careful about what you say.
- Document the scene — photos, witness info, license plates (if available).
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to review your options before agreeing to anything with insurers.
How Andrew Pickett Law Can Help
At Andrew Pickett Law, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to deal with uninsured drivers and stubborn insurance companies.
We help clients:
- Analyze all available insurance coverages,
- Handle complex UM/UIM claims,
- Fight unfair insurance denials,
- And pursue lawsuits when necessary.
Best of all, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
We offer free consultations — so there’s zero risk in reaching out.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
