The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Bureau of Motorist Compliance holds motorists responsible for purchasing car insurance, and they hold those who cause traffic accidents liable for the damages they cause. If you are
without car insurance and you hit another car, you’ll face criminal charges. You’ll pay a fine that ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and your driver’s license will be suspended.
You’ll need a lawyer. You can be sued if you caused injuries or damage to another driver’s property.
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Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law
Since 2018, Florida has been a no-fault car insurance state. No fault means that individuals injured during a traffic accident must submit their medical bills to their own insurance company. Florida Financial Responsibility Law requires motorists to carry full liability insurance which means a minimum of $10,000 for bodily injury per individual injured and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
During an Accident
Typically, the Bureau of Motorist Compliance processes the accident report filed by the law enforcement officer who investigated the moving violation. Thirty days after the Florida Court rules against the at-fault party, you can get a certified judgment and an accident report. Immediately, you should:
- Report the accident
- Supply your insurance
- Request the other parity’s insurance data
- Refer the at-fault party to your insurance company or lawyer
If Your Car Was Struck
If you’re in a traffic accident caused by someone else but you do not have any car insurance, settlements for damages may be negotiated. You should never sign a release of claims without the approval of your insurance company or lawyer. If the adverse party pays damages and your medical insurance paid for your medical treatment needed as a result of the accident, your insurance company can file a subrogation claim to be reimbursed the amount they paid on your behalf.
If You Struck Someone Else
If you were uninsured when you caused a motor vehicle accident which resulted in bodily harm and property damage, the Florida Court can suspend your driver’s license and registration for 20 years or until the judgment filed against you is paid in full. The usual penalty for driving without insurance is the suspension of your driver’s license for three years.
Form SR-22
You are required to buy certified car insurance and submit a Form SR-22 to the Florida Department of Highway Safety for three years following the accident. You must also fully compensate the accident victims for their injuries and damage to their vehicles. After three years and when all the damages are paid, it costs $15 to reinstatement your driver’s license after the suspension.
If you are not insured, you should purchase liability insurance immediately and file your SR-22. Negotiate with the other person’s insurance company to pay for the damage you caused. You may be able to negotiate a monthly or weekly payment plan. You must submit proof of payment with your SR-22. You can get a release of liability paperwork from your nearest Florida Department of Motor Vehicles office.
For More Information
You can find more information about car insurance and remedies for driving without car insurance from
fivefantasticlawyers.com. Customer service at the
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at (850) 617-2000 can answer all your questions regarding insurance law.
Scott Distasio is an auto accident lawyer from Tampa. His company, Distasio Law Firm, focuses on all types of personal injury cases and provides clients with outstanding legal services. To see what law-related wisdom he shares next, follow @scottdistasio on Twitter 