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Florida UM/UIM Coverage Lawyer
You did everything right. You bought car insurance with uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to protect yourself and your family. Then someone without adequate insurance injured you, and now your own insurance company is denying or minimizing your claim.
This happens far too often in Florida. At Florida Advocates, we help injured Floridians recover the UM/UIM benefits they are entitled to, even when their own insurance company refuses to pay.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
Pays when you are injured by a driver who has no insurance at all, or in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage
Pays when you are injured by a driver whose insurance is not sufficient to cover your damages. If their policy maxes out and you still have unpaid medical bills and other damages, your UIM coverage can make up the difference.
Unlike bodily injury liability coverage (which is optional in Florida), UM coverage is required unless you specifically reject it in writing. Many Floridians have this coverage without realizing it.
Why Florida Drivers Need UM/UIM Coverage
Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance. This means the driver who hits you may have no coverage for your injuries at all. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured, one of the highest rates in the nation.
Even drivers who carry insurance often have minimum policies that are quickly exhausted in serious accidents. Without UM/UIM coverage, you may be left with medical bills the at-fault driver cannot pay.
Why Insurance Companies Deny UM/UIM Claims
When you file a UM/UIM claim, you are making a claim against your own insurance company. Many policyholders assume their own insurer will treat them fairly. Unfortunately, UM/UIM claims are often aggressively contested.
Common tactics include disputing liability (arguing you were at fault), challenging the extent of your injuries, claiming your injuries are pre-existing, arguing your treatment was unnecessary, delaying investigation and payment, and making lowball settlement offers.
Remember: even though you pay premiums to this company, they still have financial incentives to minimize your claim.
How We Handle UM/UIM Claims
Carlos D. Cabrera knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate UM/UIM claims because he used to be insurance defense counsel. He understands their tactics and how to counter them.
We document your injuries thoroughly with medical evidence, counter pre-existing condition arguments with medical expert opinions, demonstrate the at-fault driver’s liability, calculate your full damages including future medical needs, and negotiate aggressively or litigate when necessary.
Stacking UM/UIM Coverage in Florida
Florida allows stacked UM/UIM coverage, which means if you have multiple vehicles on your policy, you may be able to combine (stack) the coverage limits. For example, if you have $100,000 UM coverage on two vehicles with stacking, you may have $200,000 available.
We review your policy to identify all available coverage, including stacking opportunities that your insurer may not disclose.
Bad Faith in UM/UIM Claims
If your insurance company unreasonably denies or delays your UM/UIM claim, they may be acting in bad faith. Under Florida Statute 624.155, you have the right to pursue a bad faith claim for damages beyond your policy limits. We evaluate every UM/UIM case for potential bad faith and pursue additional recovery when warranted.
The 14-Day Rule Applies
If you were injured in a car accident, Florida’s 14-day rule applies. You must seek medical treatment within 14 days to preserve your PIP benefits. This deadline is absolute. Do not wait to see if your pain improves.
FLORIDA STATISTICS
According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 20% of Florida drivers are uninsured. Florida ranks among the top five states for uninsured motorists. This makes UM/UIM coverage essential for Florida drivers.
CARLOS D. CABRERA CREDENTIALS
Carlos D. Cabrera leads the Personal Injury Department at Florida Advocates. Before representing injury victims, he spent years defending insurance companies as defense counsel. 24+ years insurance litigation experience.
Education
- J.D. — St. Thomas University College of Law (2000)
- Managing Editor, St. Thomas Law Review
- B.A. English — Florida International University (1994)
Bar Admissions
- The Florida Bar
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
Credentials & Recognition
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
- Florida Legal Elite Recognition
- Lead Counsel Verified (Appellate, since 2015)
- Former Insurance Defense Counsel
Learn more about Carlos D. Cabrera →
FAQ
Do I have UM/UIM coverage?
If you did not specifically reject UM coverage in writing, you likely have it. Check your declarations page or contact us for a free policy review.
Can my insurance company deny my UM/UIM claim?
They can dispute it, but not without valid reasons. Many denials are improper. We review denied claims and challenge wrongful denials.
What if the at-fault driver has some insurance but not enough?
Your UIM coverage kicks in after the at-fault driver’s policy is exhausted, up to your policy limits.
Will filing a UM/UIM claim raise my rates?
Florida law prohibits insurers from raising rates solely because you file a UM/UIM
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis:
- Free consultation — no cost to speak with us
- No upfront fees — we advance all case costs
- No attorney fees unless we recover for you
You will never receive a bill from us while your case is active.
Florida Advocates Office Locations
Dania Beach (Broward County) — Headquarters
45 E Sheridan Street Dania Beach, FL 33004
North Miami (Miami-Dade County)
13499 Biscayne Blvd #107 North Miami, FL 33181
Tampa (Hillsborough County)
238 E Davis Blvd #210 Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available by phone 24/7 for emergencies
Contact a Florida UM/UIM Coverage Lawyer
If you have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver and your own insurance company is denying or delaying your claim, contact Florida Advocates today. Florida’s 14-day rule for PIP benefits and the 2-year statute of limitations begin at the moment of the crash. If your insurer is acting unreasonably, bad faith remedies under Florida Statute 624.155 may entitle you to damages beyond your policy limits — but only if the Civil Remedy Notice is filed in time. You paid for this coverage. We will make sure you receive it.
Call: 754-290-3803
Email: info@fladvocates.com
Call us for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. After all, isn’t that what family would do?
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Fill out the contact form or call us at 754-290-3803 to schedule your free consultation.
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No Fees Unless You Win