Orlando Car Accident Lawyer
Driving without auto insurance in Florida is illegal and comes with steep penalties if you are caught. Beyond the legal consequences, driving uninsured puts you and others at major financial risk if an accident occurs. As an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney, I have seen the devastation that just one serious crash can bring when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Florida Law & Penalties for Driving Uninsured
Under Florida law, all drivers are required to carry valid car insurance that meets the state minimum coverage amounts. It is your responsibility to keep your vehicle insured for the entire duration of its registration. If you fail to do so, you will face a suspension of your driver’s license and license plate(s). To restore them, you will have to pay a fee and show proof of insurance. The fee will increase with each offense: $150 for the first time, $250 for the second time within three years, and $500 for the third time within three years. Expect higher insurance premiums due to being classified as a high-risk driver. And, insurance companies report you to the State if you let your insurance lapse.
Moreover, it’s mandatory to carry proof of valid insurance (ID card) while driving and present it to the police upon request. Driving without proof may lead to a ticket for failure to provide insurance documentation.
The Risks of Driving With No Insurance
While the legal penalties are tough, the financial risks associated with causing an accident while uninsured are even more severe. Without insurance, you are personally responsible for all damages and injuries to others. This can easily exceed tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars—money most drivers simply don’t have.
Even a relatively minor accident where no one is injured can total a vehicle quickly. Just a few scrapes or a cracked windshield can lead to auto body shop bills of $2000 or more. Without insurance, you must cover the entire cost of repairing your own vehicle.
And if someone is injured or killed due to your negligence in an uninsured crash, their mounting medical bills and lost wages can follow you for life. These accident victims may pursue legal action, garnishing your wages and placing liens on your personal property for years to come.
Recent Florida Crash Data Shows Massive Risks
The risks associated with driving uninsured in Florida are shockingly high according to recent data. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 397,530 crashes in Florida in 2022, resulting in 252,146 injuries and 3,329 fatalities.
In a report released on June 21st by TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, and based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) traffic crash cost methodology, the total economic cost of traffic crashes in Florida in 2022 amounted to $107 billion. This figure comprises $27 billion in tangible economic costs and $80 billion in quality-of-life costs related to serious injuries and fatalities. Quality-of-life costs encapsulate the value associated with the lost quality of life resulting from traffic crashes leading to serious injury or death. These costs include the loss of the remaining lifespan, extended or lifelong physical impairment, and physical pain.
Given the huge number of accidents and massive costs involved, driving uninsured could potentially devastate not only your life but also the lives of others if you cause a collision.
Protect Yourself & Others – Get Insured Today
Driving uninsured puts you, your family, and others on Florida roads at serious risk every time you get behind the wheel. But there is an easy solution – contact a local insurance agent to obtain a policy that meets Florida’s coverage minimums. Getting insured will not only potentially save you from legal troubles but also give you peace of mind and protection in case of an accident. Depending on your coverage limits, you will be able to cover the damages and injuries you cause, as well as your own losses.
Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash, reach out to Todd Miner Law for expert legal advice and powerful representation against even the most difficult insurance companies. Todd and his team of former insurance company attorneys have recovered millions for past clients throughout the Orlando area and across Central Florida. Contact us today online or call 407-894-1480 for a free consultation.
