If you’re reading this shortly after an accident, we want to begin by saying: it’s okay to feel shaken, overwhelmed, or uncertain. You may be in pain, confused about next steps, or worried about how this will affect your recovery and finances.
The good news? You have options even if the other driver wasn’t insured.
This article is here to gently guide you through the process of filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim in Florida, so you can focus on healing while understanding your rights and resources.
Step 1: Make Your Safety and Health the Priority
If you’re still at the scene or just recently left:
- Move to safety, if possible.
- Call 911 and request a police officer to file an official report.
- Accept medical evaluation, even if you feel “fine.” Some injuries, especially soft tissue damage, concussions, or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away.
Helpful Tip: Florida law requires you to seek medical care within 14 days of the accident to access your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Don’t delay.
Step 2: Gather and Save Evidence
Whether you’re at the scene or recalling what happened later, documentation is key:
- Take clear photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Get the names and contact details of witnesses, if any.
- Write down everything you remember about the accident including any mention by the other driver that they lack insurance.
Helpful Tip: Keep a journal of your pain, appointments, and recovery progress, it may help with your claim later.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’re safe and medically evaluated, call your insurance provider to report the accident. Be calm, factual, and concise.
Let them know:
- You were involved in a collision with an uninsured (or possibly underinsured) driver.
- You want to file a Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim.
Step 4: Understand Your UM Coverage
UM coverage is optional in Florida but often included unless you declined it in writing.
It’s designed to protect you, the insured driver, when the at-fault driver has no insurance (or not enough). UM/UIM (Underinsured Motorist) coverage can help with:
- Emergency medical care
- Ongoing treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation
Helpful Tip: Ask your insurer for a copy of your Declarations Page to confirm whether you have UM/UIM coverage and what limits apply.
Step 5: File the UM Claim Properly
To officially start your UM claim:
- Submit all supporting documents: police reports, medical records, photos, and expenses.
- Keep written records of every communication with your insurer.
- Stay consistent in how you describe the accident and your injuries.
Note: Even though this claim is through your own insurance, their goal is still to minimize payouts. You may not receive fair compensation without skilled guidance.
Step 6: Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating a UM claim can be surprisingly complex. An experienced attorney can:
- Confirm the full scope of your policy coverage
- Help calculate the true value of your damages
- Handle communication with your insurer
- Represent you if the insurer delays or underpays your claim
Helpful Tip: Many attorneys offer free consultations, and you are not required to sue just because you talk to a lawyer.
You’re Not Alone Help Is Available
Facing this situation can feel isolating. But you don’t have to handle it by yourself.
Hurt Aid was built to support people just like you those dealing with unexpected injuries, insurance questions, and uncertainty after an accident. Whether you need trusted Florida medical providers or licensed personal injury attorneys, we’re here to connect you with compassionate professionals who can help.
What to Do Right Now
- See a medical provider as soon as possible
- Notify your insurer and ask about your UM/UIM coverage
- Start your claim and organize your documents
- Reach out to Hurt Aid for trusted legal and medical support
Take things one step at a time. Your health and recovery come first and you’re not navigating this alone.
