South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Although it may come as a surprise to cautious and safe drivers in the state, a recent auto insurance industry report claims that Florida drivers are the worst in the country. The report was based on a review of various data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it considered the percentage of insured drivers in each state, the number of DUI arrests and vehicle-related deaths per 1,000 drivers, and other data. Based on their research, the authors put Florida at the top of the list of states with the worst drivers, followed by Mississippi, Oklahoma, and New Jersey.
How the Findings Correspond with Auto Insurance Costs and Coverage across the Country
The findings that Florida drivers are the worst in the nation would suggest that the chances of being in a dangerous accident are greater in Florida than in other states. Although insurance rates are not determined entirely by the state-by-state accident risk or the presence of poor drivers, the article notes that auto insurance premiums in Florida are the fifth-highest in the nation, significantly more expensive than the national average. As noted in the article, the expensive rates and other factors have resulted in Florida having the second-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country. Concerned South Florida drivers should ensure that they are adequately protected in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Florida Laws Concerning Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection
The laws contained in Florida Statutes, Section 627.727 require auto insurers selling insurance policies in the state to provide coverage to the driver and occupants of an insured vehicle in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Florida drivers who purchase a standard insurance policy will automatically have coverage (in an amount equal to their liability coverage) for accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists. Although the law mandates that standard policies include uninsured motorist protection, insurance customers are permitted to reject the coverage or agree to a lower limit in order to reduce their premiums. Unless a Florida insurance customer rejects the uninsured motorist coverage in writing when purchasing a policy, they will be protected in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
Consulting a Florida Accident Lawyer After a Crash
Florida law defaults to include insurance coverage for uninsured motorists, and the dangers on our roads should encourage drivers to accept the uninsured motorist protection and even consider purchasing additional coverage. If you or a loved one has been in a South Florida car accident with an uninsured driver and suffered injuries, a Miami personal injury attorney can help bring a case for damages against your insurance company and the responsible driver. The Florida accident attorneys at the Cecere Santana law firm have the experience needed for our clients to pursue fair and full compensation for their injuries, and our professional attorneys and staff will make the process as painless as possible for our clients. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, contact the South Florida accident lawyers at Cecere Santana today. We represent clients in many types of Florida injury cases, including car accidents. Contact us using the online form, or call 800-753-5529 to schedule a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
State Supreme Court Rules for Defendant in Boating Accident Case, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published July 21, 2016.
Topamax Birth Injury Case Results in $3 Million Verdict, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published June 9, 2016.