How To Handle Insurance Gaps After An Accident

Car insurance is designed to protect drivers financially in the event of a crash, but sometimes individuals discover they don’t have the coverage they thought they did. These gaps in insurance can leave accident victims exposed to significant costs for medical bills, lost income, and property damage.

Being involved in a car accident is incredibly upsetting, and the recovery process can be complicated if policies aren’t up-to-date. Acknowledging why insurance gaps occur, and what steps you can take when they do, can make all the difference. For more information, connect with a skilled Orlando personal injury attorney.

Reasons for Gaps and Next Steps

Each situation has its own particulars, but generally, the following are common reasons for coverage hiccups.

• Policy lapses. One of the most common reasons for gaps is a lapse in coverage. This can happen if premiums are missed or the policy is canceled without securing a new one. Even a short lapse could leave you uninsured if an accident occurs.
• Limited coverage options. Florida requires only Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), but these minimums often don’t cover the full extent of accident costs. If you don’t carry optional coverage like Bodily Injury Liability, Collision, or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection, you may find yourself paying out of pocket.
• Exclusions and fine print. Insurance policies often have exclusions, such as limits on who can drive the vehicle or restrictions on rideshare driving. If your accident falls within one of these exclusions, your insurer may deny coverage.
• Uninsured drivers. Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation. If you are hit by someone without coverage and you don’t carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage or collision coverage, you could face a significant gap in recovery and out of pocket expenses.

Dealing with an insurance gap can feel overwhelming, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. For one, explore other avenues. This could include filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Also, sometimes other policies may provide relief, such as health insurance, umbrella coverage, or even credit card accident protection benefits. An attorney can help you identify these resources.

Negotiation Supported by Evidence

Legal professionals who focus on Florida car accident claims understand the state’s no-fault laws and are familiar with how to negotiate with involved parties. They can evaluate your case, determine liability, gather evidence, and create a strategy to recover the maximum amount possible.

An insurance gap doesn’t mean you’re out of options. By acting quickly, gathering documentation, and seeking legal guidance, you can minimize the financial impact and secure the resources needed for your recovery.

If you have questions about your coverage or are facing unexpected gaps after an accident, speak with an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney. Legal professionals have the know-how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Have you realized there is not enough insurance coverage to pay for your accident-related expenses? The attorneys at Israoui Law can help you work through your options. For the personal attention you deserve, call 407-381-4529 today. Always speak to an experienced accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.