There are an unfortunate amount of uninsured drivers in Florida – and Citrus County is no exception to the rule. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured, it’s important to take the time to find an attorney you feel comfortable with and who will be a good fit for you and your case.
It’s important to have a variety of questions and options in mind when searching for a personal injury – and more specifically, one who deals with uninsured motorist cases.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance that provides protection to individuals in the event of an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. This coverage helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that may result from an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
In Florida, uninsured motorist coverage takes on a particularly significant role due to the state’s high rate of uninsured drivers. Florida law requires that insurers offer uninsured motorist coverage to their policyholders as an option, but it is not mandatory for drivers to purchase this coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects against injuries sustained in car accidents caused by drivers who lack sufficient insurance coverage. Given the state’s no-fault insurance system, uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage can offer additional security, ensuring that individuals have access to the compensation they need for medical bills and other losses, even if the at-fault driver cannot cover these costs.
What to Look For in an Uninsured Motorist Attorney
There are a few key elements to look for in your search for an uninsured motorist attorney. Attorneys who are well-versed in the Citrus County area often have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies and claims adjustors, and will know exactly what course to take to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your uninsured motorist claim.
Specialty and Experience
Inquire about the attorney’s education, specialty and years of experience. Make sure that he or she has a focus in accident and personal injury law. It is essential to choose an attorney who has had success with winning cases that are similar to yours.
Reputation
Choosing an experienced attorney with a proven track record in his or her chosen field of law can mean the difference between winning or losing your case. It’s important to ask the following questions:
- How frequently have you handled cases similar to mine?
- How many claims have you settled successfully?
- What kinds of settlements have you obtained for you clients?
- How long do you think it will take will it take to come to a resolution?
- What do you think the best possible outcome could be in my case?
Personality
It is also vital to take the time to find an attorney who will be a good fit for your personality.
An attentive, competent attorney will listen to your concerns, clearly communicate details and suggestions about your case and give you the personalized attention you need.
Establishing a rapport can make it much easier to work together and discuss your case. It is also a good idea to clarify who will be spending the most time on your case to make sure you are comfortable with that person.
Fees
Negotiating with your insurance company may take a significant amount of time and can end up being very costly for some clients. Make sure you understand how your attorney’s fees are calculated and exactly what you will owe when your case is settled. This will help to prevent unwanted surprises when your case is completed.
It’s important to note that generally, personal injury attorneys never charge anything upfront for their services.
Hire a Responsive Attorney
A competent attorney will be there when you need them. If you reach out to a firm saying you’re interested in working with them and you don’t hear back promptly, cross them off your list.
A responsive attorney provides timely advice, ensuring that crucial deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits are met. They also offer peace of mind by keeping clients informed about the status of their case and possible outcomes.
To inquire about this, you might consider asking questions such as, “How do you typically communicate with your clients?” or “Can you describe your communication approach when handling cases?” Additionally, it’s helpful to know the frequency of updates you can expect, so a question like, “How often will you update me on the progress of my case?” is pertinent.
It’s also important to express your own communication preferences early on, asking if they can accommodate your preferred methods of communication, whether it’s through email, phone calls, or in-person meetings.
We Can Help
Sound advice from a seasoned uninsured motorist attorney in Citrus County can save you from many potential difficulties when it comes to dealing with your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage and are involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, contact Lowman Law Firm at (352) 796-0016. Our experienced attorneys in Citrus County will guide you through the process and offer a free consultation.
