For many Florida parents, dealing with their teen drivers’ accidents is an unfortunate fact of life. Teen drivers face a number of risks and temptations as they learn, from careless drivers to receiving texts and social media notifications behind the wheel.
If your teen driver has been injured in an accident in the Fort Walton area, it is important that you understand how Florida’s personal injury and auto insurance laws apply to your family’s situation. Here are a few things that our Fort Walton car accident lawyer would like you to keep in mind:
The Insurance Companies Will Try to Deny Your Claim
Whether you file a PIP claim, third-party claim, UIM claim, or some combination thereof, you can expect the insurance companies to put up a fight. The insurance companies will look for any reason to deny coverage; and, with the statistics on teen driver accidents, you can be almost certain that the insurance companies will try to blame your teen driver for his or her own injuries. As a result, it will be important to have as much evidence of liability as possible, and you will need to make sure your child receives a thorough medical diagnosis so that you know the full amount your family is entitled to recover.
You May Need to File an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Claim
If the other driver involved in your teen’s accident was uninsured or underinsured (meaning that his or her insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your teen’s accident-related losses), you may need to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) policy. This coverage is optional in Florida; so, if this is an issue in your case, you will first need to find out if you are covered. Our Fort Walton car accident lawyer can help you make that determination.
Even if Your Teen Driver was Partially at Fault, Compensation May Still Be Available
If the circumstances are such that your claim is not limited to PIP coverage, then your family may be entitled to compensation even if your teen driver was partially at fault in the accident. Florida law follows a rule known as pure comparative fault, which means that drivers who make mistakes can still seek partial compensation for their accident-related injuries.
Speak With a Fort Walton Car Accident Lawyer for Free
If you would like to discuss your teen driver’s accident with a Fort Walton car accident lawyer, you can contact offices for a free, no-obligation consultation. To schedule an appointment at your convenience, please call (850) 682-2757 or inquire online today.