Why Motorcyclists Should Never, EVER, Reject Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida

Twenty states in the U.S. have mandatory requirements for uninsured motorist coverage. Unfortunately, Florida is not one of those states. However, although not legally required, it is always in the best interest of motorcyclists to carry as much uninsured motorist coverage as they are able to afford. Unfortunately, failure to obtain this coverage all too often results in injured riders receiving insufficient compensation for their injuries. Tragically, most motorcycle accidents are catastrophic, resulting in outrageous medical bills and death.  

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Florida Explained

In a perfect world, when a motorcycle accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s insurance will compensate the other driver for any injuries they incur as a result of the accident. But what happens when the at-fault driver does not have insurance coverage or has inadequate coverage to fully compensate the other driver? This is where uninsured motorist insurance comes into play. 

Uninsured motorist coverage is available to all motorists and will pay when that motorist is involved in an accident with another motorist that is either uninsured or underinsured. It can be used by the driver with the uninsured motorist coverage when they are not at fault in the accident. 

Consider that drivers in Florida are considered insured when they purchase insufficient policies with a limit of $10,000 per person/$20,000 per accident. It becomes clear why uninsured motorist coverage is essential. Such low amounts do not go far when paying for medical care, and the driver who was blameless in the accident is left with a bill for any expenses that exceed the low limits. 

What Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage Insure?

Uninsured motorist coverage can cover the following for the insured and their family members:

• Injuries incurred in a hit and run accident
• Phantom vehicle collisions
• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Pain & suffering
• Long term nursing care
• Loss of the future enjoyment of life
• Necessary medical devices, such as a wheelchair
• Costs associated with services the injured party is no longer able to perform, such as house cleaning and yard service
• Costs associated with disability accommodations made to the injured person’s home 

Uninsured Motorist Statistics

Following are statistics on uninsured motorists in Florida and nationally, according to a 2021 study conducted by the Insurance Research Council and reported by the Insurance Information Institute. The most recent data from 2019 was used to compile these statistics.

• 12.6% of motorists, or about one in eight, are uninsured nationally
• The highest percentage of uninsured drivers nationally was 13.1% in 2017
• Florida ranks 6th in having the most uninsured motorists, with a total of 20.4% 

Experienced, Dependable Legal Counsel

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the accident attorneys at Martin Law Firm. We are a firm that focuses on recovering the compensation our client deserves, and we make sure each case receives our undivided attention. We may be reached via our contact page or by calling 1-239-323-9820, and the initial consultation is free.