You’re driving through Gainesville, maybe on University Avenue or heading down I-75, when out of nowhere *bam* another car slams into yours. You get out, check yourself for injuries, and exchange information. But then you hear the words no driver wants to hear: “I don’t have insurance.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t as rare as it should be. Florida consistently ranks among the top states for uninsured drivers, with estimates showing more than 1 in 5 drivers on the road without coverage. In Alachua County, that means every time you drive, you’re sharing the road with people who might not be able to pay for the damage they cause.

So, what happens if you’re hit by one of them? That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage comes in, and why calling a lawyer can make a real difference.

What Is UM/UIM Coverage?

UM/UIM coverage is part of your own auto insurance policy. Think of it as a safety net for when the at-fault driver can’t cover your losses.

• Uninsured Motorist kicks in if the driver who hit you has no insurance at all.
• Underinsured Motorist applies if the driver has insurance, but their policy limits aren’t enough to cover your injuries and losses.

For example:
Florida’s minimum requirement for Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, doesn’t go very far. Consider if your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages total $75,000. Under Florida’s no-fault system, your own insurance, your PIP, would first pay up to $10,000 of your medical bills. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you could be stuck with the remaining medical bills with no insurance to help pay. If you have UM/UIM coverage, that insurance could be used for the remaining $65,000 if you have enough coverage. 

Why UM/UIM Coverage Matters in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own PIP coverage pays for part of your medical bills and lost income after a crash, no matter who caused it. But PIP only covers up to $10,000 and doesn’t pay for things like pain and suffering.

If your injuries are serious, that $10,000 can disappear after your first hospital visit. When the at-fault driver has no insurance, you can’t recover anything from their nonexistent policy. Without UM coverage, you could be stuck paying the rest out of pocket.

In short: UM/UIM is often the only realistic way to get fully compensated when you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Florida.

What to Do Right After the Crash

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Alachua County, here’s what to do after making sure you’re safe:

• Call 911 – Get a police report. This will be crucial for your insurance claim.
• Get the other driver’s information – Even if they don’t have insurance, collect their name, address, license plate number, and driver’s license.
• Gather evidence – Photos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any road conditions or skid marks.
• Seek medical care – Even if you feel “fine,” some injuries show up hours or days later.
• Contact your insurance company and notify them that you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Call an attorney – Before you agree to a settlement or give a recorded statement, talk to a lawyer who can protect your rights.

Why Having a Lawyer Matters in UM/UIM Claims

You might think, “It’s my own insurance company, I pay them every month, they’ll take care of me.” Unfortunately, insurance companies, even your own, are still businesses. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.

Here’s how an experienced lawyer can help:

• Understanding the fine print – UM/UIM policies can be tricky, with exclusions and conditions that could limit or deny your claim.
• Proving damages – You’ll need strong evidence of your injuries, medical costs, and how your life has been affected.
• Negotiating with adjusters – A lawyer knows the tactics insurers use and how to push back effectively.
• Filing suit if necessary – If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to court.

In short: A lawyer can help you avoid the common pitfalls that lead to denied or undervalued claims.

Alachua County Specific Considerations

Being in a college town like Gainesville brings some unique challenges. Many drivers are students from out of state, and tracking down an uninsured driver’s assets, if they have any, can be like chasing a ghost. Local attorneys understand how to navigate these situations and where to look for additional coverage, like an at-fault driver’s parents’ policy or a rental car company’s insurance.

The Bottom Line

Getting hit by an uninsured driver in Alachua County can feel like adding insult to injury, literally. But if you have UM/UIM coverage, you’ve got a critical layer of protection. And with the right lawyer by your side, you can make sure your own insurance company treats you fairly.

Tip for the future: Review your auto policy now, not after a crash. Adding UM/UIM coverage often costs far less than people expect, and it can be the difference between being financially secure or drowning in bills after an accident.

If you’ve already been in this situation, time matters. Florida’s statute of limitations for injury claims is limited, and the sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Call Glassman & Zissimopulos

On the road, you can’t control the other drivers, but you can control how prepared you are. And when the unexpected happens, having the right coverage and the right lawyer can turn a nightmare into a situation you can manage.

Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will be able to speak with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.