Can Someone Sue You for a Car Accident if You Have Insurance?
While Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents, a victim who suffers more serious injuries can file a claim against the at-fault driver, and if it isn’t resolved fairly, they can proceed to court. If you have suffered a severe injury due to another driver’s negligence, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Tampa, Florida, car accident attorney.
The Car Accident Claim
If another driver leaves you seriously injured in a car accident – such as if they were speeding, distracted, or engaged in another form of driver negligence – you can seek just compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses by filing a car accident claim with their insurance provider. In your claim, you can pursue damages in all the following important categories:
- Property damage to your vehicle and any contents that are damaged within
- Your medical expenses, including those related to ongoing healthcare needs, such as for any complications or secondary concerns
- Your lost earnings, which may need to address losses related to your earning potential
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can exceed all your other categories of loss combined
Car accident claims generally settle, but if the insurance company handling your claim refuses to land on a reasonable settlement that supports your most complete recovery, you can proceed by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party through the insurance company.
The Other Driver’s Insurance
If you have been seriously injured by another driver, you’ll file your claim with the insurance company that provides their liability insurance. And if you need to file a lawsuit, you’ll go through that same provider. If, however, the driver doesn’t have liability insurance, you can go after the driver personally, but if they don’t have the resources to cover the claim, it’s unlikely to do you much good.
Your PIP and UIM Coverage
Every motorist in Florida is required to carry a specific amount of personal injury protection (PIP), and yours will cover a specific percentage of your medical expenses and lost income if you suffered an injury in a car accident – regardless of who is at fault. You are also very likely to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UIM), which your insurance company is required to offer you and which you can only refuse in writing. If the at-fault driver isn’t insured, you still have options, and a trusted car accident attorney can help.
Reach Out to an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorney Today
If a negligent driver leaves you seriously injured and their insurance provider isn’t interested in negotiating a just settlement that supports your more complete recovery, the practiced car accident attorneys at Matthews Injury Law in Tampa are well versed in successful litigation and will spare no effort in their focused pursuit of your case’s optimal outcome. For more information about what we can do to help, reach out and contact us online or call 813-530-1000 today.