Injured by an Uninsured Driver? A Vero Beach Car Accident Lawyer Explains Your Options

A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. Between dealing with injuries, vehicle repairs, medical appointments, and missed time from work, the aftermath of a crash is stressful enough. Then comes the news no accident victim wants to hear: the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have insurance.

Unfortunately, this situation is more common in Florida than many people realize. When an uninsured driver causes a collision, victims often worry that they will be left paying for their medical bills and other losses on their own. While recovering compensation can be more challenging, you still have options. Understanding your rights and knowing what steps to take can help protect your financial future after an accident.

In this blog, our Vero Beach car accident lawyers provide useful information on what to do if you are ever involved in a Vero Beach car accident and the other driver does not have insurance.

Florida leads the nation in uninsured drivers

Florida has consistently ranked among the states with the highest percentage of uninsured drivers. According to a 2025 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), approximately 20.6% of Florida drivers were uninsured in 2023—meaning more than one out of every five vehicles on the road may be operating without liability insurance. The same study found that nationwide, 15.4% of drivers were uninsured, making Florida’s rate significantly higher than the national average.

The problem is compounded by Florida’s unique no-fault insurance system. Florida drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, but bodily injury liability coverage is not mandatory for many drivers. As a result, even motorists who technically comply with Florida law may not have insurance available to compensate others for serious injuries they cause.

For accident victims in Vero Beach and throughout the Treasure Coast, this can create significant challenges when seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What should I do if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

How do I find out if the other driver is uninsured?

In many cases, law enforcement officers will document insurance information in the crash report. You may also discover the driver lacks insurance when insurance companies begin investigating the claim. If there is any uncertainty, an attorney can help verify available coverage and identify other potential sources of compensation.

Should I still call the police?

Yes. Always contact law enforcement after an accident involving injuries or significant property damage. A police report can provide valuable evidence regarding how the crash occurred, identify the parties involved, and document whether the at-fault driver carried insurance.

Many times, our Vero Beach car accident attorneys hear how the at-fault, uninsured driver tries to persuade you not to call police. After all, it’s illegal to not have insurance. However, the best way to protect yourself and your ability to pursue a claim, is to call the police.

Should I seek medical attention right away?

Absolutely. Your health should be your top priority. Prompt medical treatment not only protects your well-being but also creates important medical records that can support your injury claim. Under Florida law, accident victims generally must seek medical treatment within 14 days to access PIP benefits.

Our Vero Beach car accident lawyers often hear how accident victims are hesitant to seek medical treatment if they find out the other driver doesn’t have insurance. However, if you don’t seek medical treatment for your injuries within the first two weeks of the accident, you could lose your right to insurance coverage from your own insurance. In addition, there are other ways to pursue compensation from uninsured drivers. If you don’t seek medical attention, you could eliminate your chances of pursuing additional routes.

Can I sue the uninsured driver?

In some cases, yes. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, many uninsured drivers lack substantial assets, making it difficult to collect a judgment even if you win your case.

An experienced attorney can investigate whether additional parties may share liability for the crash or whether other insurance policies may apply. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our Vero Beach car accident attorneys have handled hundreds of cases involving uninsured motorists. We will investigate every claim and ensure you receive the compensation that is available to you. Many accident victims are able to recover compensation through their own insurance policies or other available sources of coverage.

What if the other driver left the scene?

Hit-and-run accidents often involve uninsured motorists. If the driver cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist coverage may still provide compensation. Report the crash immediately and provide law enforcement with as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle.

Will my Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pay for my injuries?

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your PIP coverage typically provides benefits regardless of who caused the accident. PIP may cover a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits. However, serious injuries often result in damages that exceed available PIP benefits.

Are there other parties who may be responsible for my damages?

Possibly. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, additional parties may share liability. For example, an employer may be responsible if the driver was working at the time of the accident, or another vehicle owner may be liable if they negligently entrusted their vehicle to the driver. Identifying all potentially responsible parties is an important part of maximizing compensation.

What is uninsured motorist (UM) coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed specifically to protect you when an at-fault driver has no insurance. If you carry UM coverage, it may compensate you for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages that would normally be paid by the negligent driver’s insurance company.

For many Florida drivers, UM coverage can be the single most important protection on their auto insurance policy. Given that more than one in five Florida drivers is uninsured, there is a significant chance that the person who causes your accident may not have adequate insurance to cover your losses. Without UM coverage, you could be left relying solely on your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which are often insufficient to cover the full cost of serious injuries.

UM coverage essentially steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s missing insurance. If you suffer severe injuries in a crash caused by an uninsured motorist, your UM policy may provide compensation for damages that extend far beyond medical bills, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other long-term impacts on your life.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our attorneys routinely advise clients to maximize their uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage whenever possible. Compared to the protection it provides, UM/UIM coverage is often one of the most affordable additions you can make to your auto insurance policy. For a relatively modest increase in your premium, you can significantly increase the financial protection available to you and your family following a serious accident.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is equally important. Even when an at-fault driver carries insurance, their policy limits may be far too low to fully compensate you for catastrophic injuries. UIM coverage can help make up the difference between the at-fault driver’s available coverage and the true value of your damages.

How a Vero Beach car accident lawyer can help

When an uninsured driver causes a crash, identifying available compensation often requires a thorough investigation. An experienced attorney can review insurance policies, determine whether uninsured motorist coverage applies, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue all available avenues of recovery.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our Vero Beach car accident lawyers understand the challenges accident victims face when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Our legal team works diligently to help injured Floridians pursue the compensation they need to move forward after a serious accident.

Injured in a Vero Beach car accident with an uninsured driver?

Call our Vero Beach car accident lawyers at 866-930-6435 for a free case review

If you were injured in a Vero Beach car accident involving an uninsured driver, don’t assume you have no options. You may still be entitled to compensation through your own insurance coverage or other legal avenues. Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and the next steps in your case.

Call us today for a free consultation at 866-930-6435.