What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Broward County?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but discovering the other driver is uninsured can feel like a nightmare. In Broward County, where uninsured drivers are far too common, this situation can leave you scrambling to cover medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone.

From understanding your insurance policy to exploring legal avenues, knowing your options can make all the difference. And if you’re in Deerfield Beach or the surrounding areas, the team at Fuentes & Berrio is here to help. With years of experience handling car accident cases, we know how to navigate the complexities of uninsured driver claims. Call our Florida Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

The High Rate of Uninsured Drivers in Broward County

Broward County, like much of Florida, has a significant number of uninsured drivers on the road, making accidents even more financially and legally challenging for victims. With over 1.6 million registered vehicles—accounting for approximately 9% of all vehicles in Florida—the county experiences heavy traffic, especially on major roadways like I-95, the Florida Turnpike, and US-1. 

Shockingly, about 1 in 5 Florida drivers lack proper insurance coverage, meaning an estimated 320,000 vehicles in Broward County could be uninsured or underinsured. Factors such as high insurance premiums, economic challenges, and lax enforcement contribute to this issue, increasing the risk of collisions where victims struggle to recover damages. Adding to the concern, nearly one-third of vehicle crashes in Broward County are hit-and-run incidents, further complicating the process of seeking compensation.

Steps to Take After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s essential to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will cover your initial medical expenses, but you must seek treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.

Call the Police Immediately

Regardless of whether the other driver has insurance, you should always call 911 after an accident. In Broward County, the police will document the scene, file an official accident report, and collect statements from all involved parties. This police report can be super useful in proving fault and establishing the details of your claim.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, collect as much evidence as possible. This includes:

• Photos and videos of vehicle damage, license plates, and the accident scene.
• Contact information for any witnesses who saw the crash.
• The uninsured driver’s name, contact details, and vehicle information.
• A copy of the police report number for reference.

Preserve Your Social Media Activity

After an accident, your social media activity can become a double-edged sword. Insurance companies and opposing parties often scour your profiles for evidence to dispute your claim. Even innocent posts—like a photo of you smiling or a check-in at a gym—can be twisted to suggest you’re not as injured as you claim. To protect yourself, avoid posting about the accident or your activities. Set your profiles to private, and ask friends and family not to tag you in posts. Let your attorney handle all communication about the case. A little caution now can save you from big headaches later.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Florida is a no-fault state, which means that your own insurance policy will typically cover your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, the situation becomes more complicated when the other driver is uninsured. Here’s what you should do:

• Report the Accident: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the details, including the fact that the other driver is uninsured.
• Review Your Policy: Check your insurance policy to see if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. If you have UM coverage, your insurance company will step in to cover your damages up to the limits of your policy.

Compensation Options After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

If the driver who hit you does not have insurance, you still have several options for recovering compensation:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance

Your PIP coverage will cover:

• 80% of your medical bills (up to your policy limit).
• 60% of lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
• $5,000 in death benefits if the accident is fatal.

However, PIP does not cover vehicle damage or pain and suffering.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

If you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, it can help cover:

• Medical expenses beyond PIP limits.
• Lost wages due to injury-related inability to work.
• Pain and suffering, which PIP does not cover.
• Future medical expenses for long-term or permanent injuries.

Collision Coverage

If you have collision coverage, your own policy can pay for your vehicle repairs minus your deductible. This is often the best option if the uninsured driver cannot afford to compensate you out of pocket.

Filing a Lawsuit Against the Uninsured Driver

If the uninsured driver was clearly at fault, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. However, many uninsured drivers do not have the financial means to pay a settlement, which is why UM coverage is so important.

Contact a Broward County Car Accident Lawyer Today

You expected your insurance to have your back after an accident. But now, they’re slow-walking your claim, offering low payouts, or denying coverage outright. Meanwhile, the uninsured driver who hit you? They get to move on. That doesn’t sit right with us.

At Fuentes & Berrio, we know how to deal with these situations. We push insurance companies to pay up, track down compensation options they don’t tell you about, and fight to ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.

If an uninsured driver just flipped your world upside down, we’ll help you set it right. Call (954) 752-1110 or fill out our online form today. We’ll fight for what you deserve.