I am currently processing two particular cases I would like to tell you about. The first is a case involving a mechanic who operates his own shop. While out picking up parts in his pickup truck, he was t-boned by a driver who ran a red light. He was seriously injured and spent a great deal of time in the hospital and rehab. In fact, though he needed a number of subsequent surgeries, he is still suffering from the after effects of the accident. His business suffered as he was unable to work for months. This resulted in a number of his top customers seeking their highly specialized auto work elsewhere. Not only did he lose income while in the hospital and rehab, but the effects of this accident continue to impact his ability to earn a living.

Unfortunately for this client, the driver of the car that caused the accident had only $10,000.00 worth of liability coverage. This paltry amount had little impact on his tremendous medical bills. His own auto policy, $10,000.00 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, was a small addition to this paltry sum. One bit of good news is that he carried UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE. The bad news is that it was only $30,000.00. The result is that he is burdened with humongous medical bills, which he is unable to pay and rightly fears his creditworthiness will be seriously impacted. He has used the word, “UNFAIR” to me at least a million times! He is right! It is unfair that the driver who caused the accident is not responsible for his medical bills and lost income. BUT THAT’S THE WAY IT IS IN FLORIDA-A NO-FAULT STATE!!!! NO-FAULT MEANS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR MEDICAL TREATMENT REGARDLESS OF WHO IS AT FAULT! Again, YOU and not the other driver are responsible for the payment of your medical bills and any lost wages you suffer as a result of someone else’s negligence. YES, he has used the word “UNFAIR” a million times, but I have told people at least a million times, YOU MUST CARRY UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE, if you drive in Florida! Approximately 70% of the drivers in Florida drive without any liability coverage! That means if one of those people cause an accident with you, there is NO MONEY TO COLLECT FROM THEM for any damages you have incurred. Hopefully, they are not one of the 40% of people driving in Florida who HAVE NO AUTO INSURANCE AT ALL.

If the person who caused the accident at least carries the minimum insurance required by Florida Law, you will get your car repaired as long as the damage does not exceed $10,000.00. Woe to him who has a car whose value far exceeds $10,000.00 because then he becomes responsible for the balance of the repair! You might ask, “Well how about suing the person who caused the accident personally?” In all the years I have been practicing law, we have found 99.9% of the drivers out there have no assets available to help pay any of the above.

I am sure, before the above client’s case is finalized, I will hear the word “Unfair” another million times! While it is too late for him, IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU TO CALL YOUR AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY AND ADD UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE!