What Insurance Do I Need to Best Protect My Family in the Event of a Florida Car Accident?

Jim Curtis • October 1, 2024

Driving is probably the most dangerous activity we do and for most of us, we do it every single day, and the statistics relating to driving and accidents are out of this world. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one out of every three drivers will be involved in an injury accident during their lifetime. Worse yet, as a motorist, you can expect to be involved in an accident once every 10 years.

 

For Florida drivers, the numbers don’t get any better. In fact, the state of Florida ranks third for total number of car accidents, behind only California and Texas. So, it’s safe to say that if you live in the state of Florida, the chances of you getting into a car accident are pretty high.

 

The unfortunate truth is that when you’re in a car accident, your vehicle is going to get damaged and, if you’re one of the unlucky one out of three drivers that suffers an injury, you’re going to incur medical bills and other losses. The question is – who is going to pay for all of this? Well, that’s what insurance is for, if you’re lucky, because there are a lot of drivers out there that don’t have insurance. In fact, Florida currently ranks first in the nation for having the highest percentage of uninsured drivers – sitting at 26.7%. That’s more than one out of four drivers on the road that are uninsured - meaning those drivers have no insurance, whatsoever. It’s like playing Russian roulette.

 

And here’s one more awful fact, Florida is also the only state in the country that doesn’t require drivers to carry bodily injury insurance coverage, which is insurance that protects you in the event the other driver caused the accident and you were injured. So although almost 27% of Florida drivers are totally uninsured, that percentage is a lot higher when factoring in the drivers who don’t carry bodily injury insurance coverage.

 

As injury attorneys, there is nothing worse than having to tell a client that there is no insurance on the part of the other driver that will compensate them for their losses. What’s even worse is when the client doesn’t have the proper insurance to make up for this. For example, a recent client was involved in a rear-end accident that totaled his car. The accident clearly wasn’t his fault, because he was rear-ended. As a result of this crash, he lost his car and, to make matters worse, he also injured his neck pretty good, and he is now treating with a doctor for that injury. 

 

Come to find out that the other driver did not have insurance because their policy expired several weeks before the accident. That means that there is no property damage coverage to cover the loss of his car, and there is no bodily injury coverage to cover him for his injuries. To make matters even worse, although he had his own insurance, he unfortunately didn’t have the insurance coverage he needed to make up for what the other driver didn’t have. So, aside from his PIP coverage that will only pay a portion of his initial medical bills, he was out of luck with no insurance to recover from for his injury, or for his car.

 

How can you prevent this from happening to you? Well, for starters, don’t look to your car insurance as a place to save costs when doing your monthly budget, as car insurance is nothing to skimp on. In fact, what we recommend is to actually spend a little more on your insurance. 

 

In Florida, the law requires you to maintain a minimum amount of insurance coverage, and I’m sure that’s true in every state. Here in Florida, you’re required to carry property damage coverage, that will protect the other driver for their vehicle damage in the event you were to cause a crash, and you’re required to carry PIP coverage. PIP is short for Personal Injury Protection and is otherwise known as no-fault insurance.

 

PIP covers you for some of your initial medical bills or lost wages, regardless of fault for the accident – hence the name no-fault. But it won’t cover you for everything. So to make sure that you can make up for the insurance that the other driver doesn’t have, you need to purchase these two things:

 

1. You Need Collision Coverage

 

Collision coverage will pay for the damage to your car regardless of fault. So if the other driver doesn’t have property damage insurance, you can still get your car fixed with minimal out of pocket expense as long as you have collision coverage. So unlike my client who chose not to have collision coverage, was hit by the uninsured driver and now can’t get a new car, if you buy collision coverage you’ll have peace of mind that this won’t happen to you. Collision coverage will also cover your car in the event you hit a tree, or telephone pole, or have any other sort of accident that doesn’t involve another car.

 

2. You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage

 

Uninsured motorist coverage is so, so important, especially here in Florida. If you buy it, it will cover you for your injuries over and above PIP in the event you were injured due to the fault of an uninsured motorist . So if you’re one of the unlucky ones and are hit by one of the 26.7% of uninsured drivers on the road, or you’re hit by a driver who is insured but didn’t buy bodily injury insurance coverage, you can then turn to your own insurance company to make up for it, subject to your limits of course.

 

It will also apply to compensate you for injuries in the event you are injured by someone who is underinsured, meaning they didn’t carry a high enough limit of bodily injury insurance to compensate you for your injury. And it will apply to you and your family members.

 

Call Jim the Lawyer

After Your Florida Car Accident

 

When you’re in a Florida car accident, it is not only important to have the right insurance coverage, it’s also important that you hire the right attorney to handle your Florida car accident claim. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Florida car accident case.  If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, Jim The Lawyer is here to help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injury. Contact Jim The Lawyer at (813)937-9907 for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.

Insurance Surveillance After a Tampa Bay Accident: How Apollo Beach Injury Victims Can Protect Their Claims

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Lowball Settlement Offers After an Apollo Beach Car Accident: Why You Should Never Take the First Check

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Photos You Must Take After a Car Accident in Apollo Beach, FL

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Hospital, Urgent Care, or Chiropractor? Best First Steps After a Car Accident in Apollo Beach

By Jim Curtis • January 27, 2026
Apollo Beach car accident? Learn when to choose the ER or chiropractor and protect your Florida PIP benefits with Jim The Lawyer.

Insurance Adjuster Lies After a Florida Car Accident: What Apollo Beach Crash Victims Need to Know

By Jim Curtis • January 20, 2026
Learn 3 common insurance adjuster lies after a Florida crash and how an Apollo Beach injury lawyer can protect your settlement and your rights.

Why All Personal Injury Lawyers Are Not the Same: What Accident Victims in Apollo Beach Need to Know

By Jim Curtis • January 13, 2026
Not all personal injury lawyers are the same. Learn what accident victims in Apollo Beach should know before hiring a lawyer after a car accident.

Who's at Fault in a Ruskin Rear-End Car Accident?

By Jim Curtis • January 8, 2026
Injured in a rear-end crash in Ruskin or Tampa Bay? Learn who’s at fault under Florida law, key exceptions, and how compensation is determined.

What Happens After You Accept a Personal Injury Settlement in Florida?

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Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Florida?

By Jim Curtis • April 8, 2025
Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Florida? There is nothing more inconvenient than being in a car accident. That’s why many people don’t even wait around to call the Police after one occurs. But is this legal? The answer depends on the circumstances of the crash, but understanding the legal requirements and practical implications can help you make an informed decision in an otherwise stressful situation. Florida’s Legal Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents Florida law requires you to file a police report if your crash meets any of the following criteria: · If there is any injury or fatalities · When there is property damage exceeding $500 · Hit-and-Run situations · If there is suspicion of impaired driving · The accident involved a commercial vehicle · A vehicle needs to be towed from the scene Failure to report your accident in such a case could potentially result in criminal penalties. However, although the law requires a report of the crash if any of these criteria are met, the law does allow drivers up to 10 days to file a crash report with local authorities if they did not call the police at the scene. This obviously would not apply in the case of injury or fatality, or if a driver is impaired. These should be reported immediately. Regardless of the situation, it is always best practice to call the Police after a car accident. Why You Should Call the Police Even When You’re Not Legally Required to Do So There are number of reasons why you should still call the Police after a car accident even if you don’t meet any of the criteria that would legally require you to do so. The reasons include: There is Less Chance for Conflicting Stories When information is gathered quickly at the scene of an accident by the Police, it can then be preserved and there is less chance that it can be misconstrued in the future. People also tend to be more forthcoming at the scene when talking to the Police. However, when given time to think about it, stories often change, especially if a person knows that a claim is being pursued against them. Calling the Police and getting a report can help prevent this happening. Document the Accident The Police Report is the best place to document your accident right after it happened. Unlike merely exchanging information with the other driver, having the Police obtain a statement from all parties involved as well from any eyewitnesses is crucial for any subsequent insurance claim. The Police will often also assign fault to a party, which can be useful in a subsequent claim as well. Document Your Physical Complaints The Police Report is your first opportunity to document any physical complaints that you may have, while still at the scene of the accident. This is very important, especially if you’re unable to seek medical treatment right away. In such a case, without a Police report documenting your complaints, the insurance company may question whether you were even hurt in the accident, especially if it took 4-5 days for you to get in to see a doctor. When You Might Choose Not to Call the Police Although it is always best to call the Police after a Florida car accident, there are times where it may not be imperative that you do so. One such situation would be in the case of a minor accident with no injuries. If the crash is minor and all vehicles are driveable, and nobody is complaining of any injury, waiting around for the Police to show up and take down your information may not be necessary – as long as you still take steps to properly document your accident. Those steps should include: · Exchanging Information: Take a photo of the other driver’s license and make sure to get insurance information. · Take Photographs: If you are not going to call the Police after your accident, it is even more important that you document the crash by photographs. Be sure to take photos of the scene of the accident, and of the damage to all of the vehicles involved in the crash. · Witness Statements: If there are witnesses to your accident, ask for their names and phone numbers so you can get a statement from them later, if necessary. From here, contact a lawyer if you have any questions about filing an insurance claim, or if you begin to feel pain and believe that you may have been injured. Challenges in Pursuing an Insurance Claim Without a Police An insurance company will question everything after an accident. This is especially true if there is no Police Report. Without a Police Report, there is a good chance that liability may be disputed, as there is likely to be conflicting stories from each driver. The Police will investigate the crash and determine who they believe caused the accident. This can help if there are conflicting versions of what happened. Another challenge is in proving that your injury is related to the accident, and not to something else. Without a Police report documenting your complaints, the insurance company may dispute your injuries and their relation to the crash. This is especially true if you don’t seek treatment right away. Call Florida Car Accident Attorney, Jim The Lawyer, for Legal Help Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Florida car accident case. If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, Jim The Lawyer is here to help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injury.  Contact Jim The Lawyer, Accident and Injury Attorney, at (813)937-9907 for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.

The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Riverview, FL

By Jim Curtis • April 1, 2025
Riverview, Florida is one of the fastest growing areas in Hillsborough County. With this rapid population growth comes increased traffic congestion. This has made some areas of Riverview notorious for accidents. Below are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in this region. Top Dangerous Roads and Intersections 1. U.S. 301 and Gibsonton Drive This is one of the most highly congested intersections in Southern Hillsborough County. Over a 15-month period, there were 95 reported crashes at this intersection. This is due not only to congestion, but also due to aggressive driving and frequent left-turn accidents. 2. U.S. 301 at Big Bend Road This is another very highly congested intersection during most times of day. The combination of speeding vehicles, failure to yield and poor visibility contributes to the danger of this intersection, which saw 86 accidents over a 15-month period. 3. Big Bend Road and Summerfield Boulevard Although this intersection is nestled in a residential community, it has accounted for 97 crashes within a 16-month period, with 14 serious injuries or fatalities. This intersection is dangerous due to its location which is known for speeding vehicles, and there is also very poor visibility for those making left-hand turns. 4. Big Bend Road and Summerfield Crossing Boulevard Located right down the street from Summerfield Boulevard is this equally dangerous intersection. Aggressive lane changes and insufficient signage are common issues contributing to the dangers present at this intersection. Over a 16-month period, there have been 92 crashes reported at this location. Common Causes of Car Accidents in Riverview, FL While many factors can cause a car accident, some of the most common causes of car accidents in Riverview, Florida include: · Failure to Yield : mostly occurring during the course of left-hand turns and due to drivers misjudging gaps in traffic; · Speeding: given the number of lanes of travel on roads such as U.S. 301, speeding has become a common occurrence in the Riverview, Florida area; · Poor Visibility: many intersections lack sufficient signage and become partially blocked to visibility due to overgrown landscaping; · Distracted Driving: texting and talking on mobile devices is problem on all roadways and is a significant contributor to accidents. Top 4 Things You Need to do After a Riverview, FL Car Accident Thankfully, car accidents are not a common occurrence for most people. However, when one occurs, it’s important to know what to do to best preserve your accident claim. Here are the top four things you should do after a Riverview, Florida car accident: 1. Prioritize Safety The first thing you should after an accident is to make sure that everyone in your vehicle is safe. If your vehicle is in a place of danger, move it to safety to avoid a secondary collision if possible. Then be sure turn on your hazard lights to ensure that your vehicle is visible to oncoming motorists. 2. Call 911 Calling the Police after a Riverview, Florida car accident is important for several reasons. First, the Police will document the crash and all parties involved, and conduct their investigation as to who is at fault for the crash. Second, the crash report that the Police will prepare documenting your crash will be your first opportunity to document any physical complaints you may have while you are still at the scene of the crash. This will be important for the insurance company to see and will help prevent any argument the insurance company may make that your injuries were not caused by the crash. 3. Take Photos Although the Police will be documenting the crash if you called them, it is still important for you, if possible, to take photographs of the damage. When taking photographs of the damage, don’t just take photos of your vehicle. Make sure to also take photos of all other vehicles involved in the crash. This is important because often times the other vehicle will have more damage to it than yours. In addition to taking photos of the damage to all vehicles, be sure to also take photos of the scene of the crash and the surrounding area. This will document everything as it existed at the time, and may also show nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the crash as it occurred. 4. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible The quicker you can seek medical attention after a crash, the better it will be for both yourself and any potential claim that you may have. By seeking immediate medical attention, you will not only be getting the treatment you need, but you will also be avoiding any argument related to a gap in treatment between the time of crash and your first date of treatment. Of course, in addition to doing these four things, you will also want to call a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will conduct their own investigation of the crash and seek to preserve all relevant evidence for your claim before it is disposed of or destroyed. Call Jim The Lawyer After Your Riverview, FL Car Accident Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Riverview, Florida car accident case. If you’ve been injured in a Riverview, Florida car accident, Jim The Lawyer is here to help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injury. Contact Jim The Lawyer, Accident and Injury Attorney, at (813)937-9907 for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.