Uninsured Driver Accident Lawyer in Lake City, FL

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Like in every other state, Florida law requires all motorists to purchase and carry minimum levels of car insurance. Unfortunately, many people believe they cannot afford the cost of purchasing auto insurance, and others simply do not want to pay the cost of it, which is sometimes exorbitant. If an uninsured driver causes a crash that results in serious injuries, it then becomes very difficult for victims to claim the financial compensation they need.

If you or someone you love has been hurt, our uninsured driver accident attorney in Lake City, FL, can advise you of your legal options during this difficult time. Meldon Law has been helping accident victims for over 50 years, seeking the compensation they need for their recovery. Call us today and learn how a Lake City car accident lawyer can help you. The initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Claims You Can File After Being Hit by an Uninsured Driver

All drivers in Lake City are required to purchase two types of auto insurance. Under Florida law, drivers must carry:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection (PIP) is one of two mandatory types of auto insurance, and you must carry a minimum of $10,000. PIP is a part of the state’s no-fault insurance system, so coverage is available to you regardless of fault. All you have to do is file an accident claim with your own insurance company.

Through PIP benefits, you can claim up to your policy limits. It will cover 80% of medical expenses and 60% of disability benefits for your lost income if you cannot work right away after the accident.

This coverage can be very important after being hit by an uninsured driver.

Property Damage Liability (PDL)

Property damage liability (PDL) is the second of the two mandatory insurances, and it too has a minimum required coverage of $10,000. This auto insurance covers any damage you cause to other vehicles and property.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Unlike the law in many other states, you are not required to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Insurance companies are required to offer it, but you may decline this coverage. Still, while you will have to pay more for this type of insurance, the cost is minimal, and it is extremely helpful if you are hit by an uninsured driver, as you can claim up to the policy’s limits.

If you have them, you could also use such other policies as:

Health insurance
MedPay coverage
Collision insurance
Disability insurance

Our personal injury lawyers serving Lake City can review your insurance coverage and determine which policies you can file a claim against.

$4,250,000

Golf Cart Accident

Our client tragically lost his life when a distracted golf cart driver crashed into our client while he was riding his bicycle. Our client was an avid cyclist and was riding his usual route when a golf cart made a left turn and cut across our client’s bike path. The impact of the collision was so severe that our client was knocked off his bicycle into the air and landed in the roadway. Due to the golf cart driver’s failure to adhere to standard traffic regulations and exercise due caution, our client was tragically killed. Our office is pursuing a wrongful death action on behalf of the surviving family.

$1,450,000

Motorcycle Accident

A woman on a motorcycle was hit by a car that resulted in leg amputation below the knee.

$1,250,000

Pedestrian Accident

A female pedestrian was hit by a car that was pulling out of a parking lot that resulted in lower back surgery and a spinal stimulator implant.

$995,000

Car Accident

When hit by a driver of a Ford Credit company who ran a stop-sign at an intersection of a highway causing – multiple cervical fractures, a frontal lobe brain injury, a right shoulder injury, and a right broken arm.

$950,000

Golf Cart Accident

Our client was enjoying an afternoon riding in a golf cart when another golf cart t-boned our client’s cart. Our client suffered significant injuries resulting in permanent disfigurement of her feet, hands, and TBI’s. Our firm was able to successfully settle this matter pre-suit for our client for $950,000.00.

$500,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Our client was severely injured in an intersection crash. She suffered two (2) significant “jolts” – the first from when she was T-boned in the intersection, and the second from when the original impact caused her to strike a utility pole. The crash caused highly painful low back injuries, initially forcing the client to undergo aggressive pain management, including radiofrequency ablations (nerve burning). A highly compelling, emotional video was prepared featuring testimony from the client and her Aunt about the mental, emotional, and physical problems the client has faced since the crash. The case settled pre-suit for $500,000.00.

$500,000

Car Accident

Our client was a driving on a curved road in a residential neighborhood in South Florida at midnight when he was struck head-on by a high-performance sportscar traveling at a very high rate of speed. One of the witnesses to the crash was a U.S. Army Officer who saw the sportscar literally “fly through the median” prior to striking our client’s vehicle. Fortunately, the at-fault vehicle initially struck bushes and knocked over a palm tree prior to the collision, otherwise the injuries to our client most likely would have been fatal. A life care plan for the client was prepared by a highly qualified, well respected certified life care planner hired by our firm, and ultimately, the case settled for $500,000.00.

$450,000

Motorcycle Accident

Our client was preparing to stop when the car driven behind them failed to notice and crashed into the rear of our client’s vehicle. The hit was of such force that it knocked our client’s vehicle into oncoming traffic where he ultimately came to a stop in the ditch on the opposite side of the road. Our client suffered catastrophic injuries. The case ultimately settled pre-suit for $450,000.00.

Filing a Lawsuit After Being Hit by Uninsured Driver

After an accident, you will first file a claim with your PIP insurance provider, but if you have suffered a severe injury, there are exceptions that allow you to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove certain elements of negligence in your case, which include:

Duty of Care: The uninsured driver had a legal obligation to act in a manner that was reasonable and safe.
Breach of Duty: The uninsured driver violated a traffic law and drove irresponsibly.
Causation: The negligent act resulted in a crash and your injuries.
Damages: You suffered physical injuries, financial hardships, and emotional distress as a result.

Filing a lawsuit allows you to seek damages beyond the limitations of the no-fault system, such as:

Medical bills not initially covered
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering

However, filing a lawsuit against a driver who doesn’t carry auto insurance could prove difficult to collect. If the driver cannot afford auto insurance, they may not have the resources to cover your losses.

There is no reason to give up. You may have other options for compensation that you haven’t considered. We recommend reaching out to us and discussing your case with a member of our legal team.

Protect Your Health and Your Case After a Lake City Auto Accident

You have an obligation to protect yourself after an accident, whether the other driver has insurance or not. We always advise injury victims to take these actions following a car accident:

Call 911: Report the accident to local law enforcement, which could be either the Lake City Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
See a doctor: Immediately after the accident, you should visit the emergency room at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital or a similar facility.
Document the accident scene: take pictures of the area, the vehicle damage, and your injuries; note anything you feel may be important.
Ask witnesses for contact information: If anyone was present, ask for their name and phone number so that they can give a statement.
Be careful of what you say to insurers: You will need to contact your insurance provider for your PIP claim, but keep your conversation limited to what you know for certain; don’t speculate or admit fault.

Then, call Meldon Law.

Our Lake City Hit by an Uninsured Driver Attorney Can Help With Your Case

At Meldon Law, our Lake City uninsured driver accident attorney can advise on your legal options. We will review the circumstances of your case, advise you of your legal options, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.

Get the Legal Help You Need – Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the driver who hit me in Lake City had no insurance at all?

Report the car crash, get medical care right away, notify your own insurer, and preserve photos, witness information, and repair evidence. In Florida, timely treatment matters because PIP medical benefits require initial services and care within 14 days. A Lake City uninsured driver accident lawyer can also review your UM coverage and whether a direct lawsuit is worth pursuing.

Does my PIP still apply if the at-fault driver was uninsured in Lake City?

Yes. Florida no-fault coverage generally means you still start with your own PIP even if the other driver had no insurance at all. PIP usually covers 80 percent of reasonable medical expenses and 60 percent of lost income up to the policy limit if you satisfy the treatment requirements. Our uninsured driver accident attorneys can push back if your own carrier underpays or delays benefits.

Can uninsured motorist coverage help after a Lake City crash if the other driver has no policy or no money?

Yes, if you bought it and did not reject it in writing. Florida UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect insured people who are legally entitled to recover from uninsured or underinsured drivers, and it pays over and above available PIP and other benefits, up to the UM policy limits. A Lake City uninsured driver accident lawyer should review the declaration page as soon as possible.

Is it worth suing an uninsured driver directly in Lake City, or are there other ways to recover compensation?

Sometimes yes, but not always. A direct lawsuit may make sense if the uninsured driver has assets, income, or another realistic source of collection, but in many cases, the more practical recovery comes from PIP, UM/UIM coverage, and any other responsible parties. An uninsured driver accident attorney can assess your case before you spend time chasing a judgment that may never be paid.

"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Law’s knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."

Catherine P.

December 2024

"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."

Hazel J.

March 2025

"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"

Justin W.

April 2024

"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"

Jabari A.

June 2024

Meldon Law

Address: 2941 W US Hwy 90 Suite 117, Lake City, FL 32055, United States

Phone: 352-373-8000

Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 For Legal Help

Uninsured Driver Accident Attorney in Lake City, FL