Claiming Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Discussed by Our Southwest Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

Jason B. Goldman • March 16, 2022
Claiming Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Discussed by Our Southwest Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

Did you know that nearly 27 percent of Florida drivers do not have any insurance?  And almost as important, many Florida drivers carry basic, minimum coverage insurance that is completely inadequate to compensate someone they might injure in a car accident.

Unfortunately, the State of Florida does not require its motorists to carry a type of coverage called BODILY INJURY LIABILITY.  The only coverages required by Florida law in order to drive legally are $10,000.00 in personal injury protection (covers your own accident related medical bills up to $10,000.00) and $10,000.00 in property damage protection (pays for damages caused to someone else’ car, up to $10,000.00).  These required coverages do absolutely nothing to compensate an injured party. While some motorists may elect to purchase BODILY INJURY LIABILITY coverage, oftentimes they purchase such small levels of coverage that it does little to compensate a seriously injured motorist.  So, how do you protect yourself from being injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver?

UM/UIM Coverage in Florida

Uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects you in case you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.  The amount of this coverage you purchase depends on your willingness to pay additional premiums on your automobile insurance policy and how much protection you want for yourself and your family.  Every day, we see claims injury “worth” $100,000.00, $250,000.00, or $500,000.00, or wrongful death claims valued at over $1,000,000.00 that must resolve for far less because the at fault party has limited BODILY INJURY LIABILITY insurance coverage, and our injured client has equally limited uninsured motorist benefits through their own policy.  This situation is a common occurrence in Florida, because our Legislature, unlike other states, does not require our residents to carry BODILY INJURY LIABILITY coverage.  States such as Michigan and Massachusetts, for example, require their residents to carry a minimum of $100,00000 in BODILY INJURY LIABILITY coverage.  In those states, injured parties are treated much more fairly regarding the financial aspects of their injury claims.

Under an uninsured motorist policy, there are many benefits and nuances of the coverage.  Uninsured motorist coverage will step in to compensate you for injuries suffered at the hands of an unidentified hit-and-run driver.  Underinsured motorist coverage also covers all passengers in your car who are injured during an accident.  Incredibly important for families who have children off to college but who are still on their parents’ automobile policy, these children remain covered under their parents’ automobile policy as “resident relatives’ of their parents’ household. 

If you have multiple cars on your auto insurance policy, you can obtain extra underinsured motorist coverage if you elect “stacking” instead of non-stacking coverage.  If you have 3 cars in your household and you purchase a $100,000.00maximum  per person / $300,000.00 maximum per accident maximum coverage, these amounts get multiplied by 3 (stacking), so in reality you purchase $300,000.00 maximum per person / $900,0000.00 maximum per accident in coverage. In the event  you or a family member is seriously injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, this stacking uninsured motorist coverage could be the financial lifeline that protects your family.

When it comes to uninsured motorist coverage, have a blunt conversation with your automobile insurance agent.  Ask questions, and specifically focus on the dreaded question of “What happens if I’m seriously injured in a car accident by an uninsured or underinsured driver, how will me and my family be compensated?”  Specifically ask a question such as “What happens if I suffer a $100,000.00 injury and owe $45,000.00 in medical expenses, and the other driver has no liability coverage and I only carry $50,000.00 in uninsured motorist coverage?”  These pointed questions, and the answers you should receive, will highlight the importance of carrying at least $100,000.00 in uninsured motorist benefits.  If you purchase your insurance online and have no one to ask these questions of, you need to speak to a local attorney or insurance agent to understand the risks you face when not having adequate uninsured motorist coverage.

We see instances where having adequate uninsured motorist coverage financially saves a family from ruin after a devastating car accident.  Unfortunately, we see far more instances of families being mentally and financially destroyed after a serious accident where the at fault party does not carry adequate insurance, and our client did not purchase adequate uninsured motorist coverage.  Please review your policy carefully, and seriously consider increasing the level of uninsured motorist coverage you have to protect your family.

GTS is Here to Help

If you were involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another, learn how our Southwest Florida accident lawyers can help you and your family recover fair compensation for your personal injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.  Our experienced and compassionate team at  Goldman, Tiseo, and Sturges, P.A.  will advise you how we can help you and your family during a FREE consultation.  Please call us at (941) 625-6666, or send us a message through our  contact us box available on our website here.  Whether you are a resident of Florida or were injured while visiting from out of state, our Florida personal injury lawyers can assist.

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Understanding Mediation: A Smarter Path to Resolving Disputes

By Jason B. Goldman • April 6, 2026
When facing a legal dispute, many people assume their only option is a lengthy court battle. However, there's often a better way: mediation. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, we've seen how mediation can save time, money, and relationships while achieving outcomes that satisfy all parties. What Is Mediation? Mediation is a collaborative process where an impartial third party—the mediator—helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Unlike a judge who imposes a decision, a mediator facilitates communication and guides parties toward their own agreement. Why Choose Mediation? Cost-Effective & Fast Mediation costs a fraction of litigation and typically resolves in a half-day to full-day session—not years. You Stay in Control Unlike court decisions, mediated settlements put you in the driver's seat. You control the outcome. Preserve Relationships Mediation's collaborative approach can preserve business partnerships, neighbor relations, and other ongoing connections. Confidential & Binding Everything discussed stays private, and agreements you help create are more likely to be honored. When Should You Consider Mediation? Mediation works at any stage: Before filing a lawsuit (most cost-effective) During litigation (often court-ordered) Even post-judgment Jason B. Goldman: Certified Charlotte County Mediator Attorney Jason B. Goldman has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a circuit court mediator since 2002. Our Mediation Services We mediate cases throughout Charlotte County and beyond: Business and commercial disputes Real estate and construction conflicts Personal injury claims Contract disagreements Pre-suit negotiations Ready to Resolve Your Dispute? Contact Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges today at (941) 625-6666 to schedule your mediation session.

Easter Weekend Safety - Protecting Your Family This Holiday

By Jason B. Goldman • April 6, 2026
Easter weekend is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and fun traditions. But as personal injury attorneys who've spent decades serving Charlotte County, we know that holidays can also bring increased risks on our roadways and in our communities. The Reality of Holiday Traffic Easter weekend consistently ranks as one of the deadliest holiday periods for traffic accidents in Florida. With families traveling to visit relatives, increased alcohol consumption at gatherings, and distracted drivers rushing to events, the roads become significantly more dangerous. According to Florida Highway Safety data, Easter weekend sees a spike in DUI arrests and serious accidents. As you plan your celebrations this year, keep these safety tips in mind: Plan ahead for a designated driver if your celebration involves alcohol Watch for increased pedestrian traffic around churches and parks Be extra cautious at intersections - we know Charlotte County's dangerous crossroads well Secure children properly in car seats when traveling to family gatherings Easter Egg Hunts and Premises Liability If you're hosting an Easter egg hunt or attending one at a church, park, or community center, be aware of potential hazards. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. We've seen injuries from: Uneven ground causing trip-and-fall accidents Hidden hazards in tall grass where eggs are hidden Dog bites when excited pets interact with children during outdoor events Pool accidents when Easter parties include swimming Your Rights After a Holiday Accident If you or a loved one is injured this Easter weekend due to someone else's negligence - whether it's a drunk driver, an unsafe property, or any other preventable accident - don't wait to seek legal guidance. Evidence disappears, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately. At Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, we're here even during the holidays. As lifetime residents of Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, this is our community, and these are our neighbors. We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Easter. This Easter, celebrate the renewal of spring - but stay safe doing it. And if the unexpected happens, remember that we're always here to help.

Why Spring Is a Smart Time to Review Your Insurance Coverage in Charlotte County

By Jason B. Goldman • March 3, 2026
As the seasons change and spring arrives in Southwest Florida, many homeowners and drivers begin tackling projects, travel plans, and home improvements. It’s a time of renewal and preparation but it’s also the perfect time to review something that’s often overlooked: your insurance coverage. At GTS Law Firm, we often work with individuals and families who discover too late that their policies don’t fully protect them after an accident or unexpected event. A simple coverage review now can help prevent major financial and legal stress later. Why Spring Is the Right Time to Take a Second Look Spring often brings changes in routine. People start driving more, hosting gatherings, making home upgrades, and preparing for hurricane season. All of these changes can affect your level of risk and whether your current coverage still fits your needs. Some common life updates that may require coverage adjustments include: Purchasing a new vehicle Renovating or adding to your home Starting a home-based business Adding a teen driver to your policy Buying recreational equipment like boats, golf carts, or motorcycles When coverage isn’t updated to reflect these changes, gaps can appear that only become obvious after an accident happens. The Risk of Being Underinsured Many people assume they’re fully protected because they have insurance in place. However, in personal injury cases, we often see situations where policy limits are too low to cover medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care needs after a serious accident. This can affect both sides: If you’re injured, the at-fault party may not have enough coverage to fully compensate you. If you’re responsible for an accident, limited coverage could leave you personally liable for the remaining costs. Reviewing your policies regularly helps ensure you’re protected from unexpected financial exposure. Coverage Areas Worth Reviewing Spring is a great time to sit down and evaluate a few key areas: Auto Insurance: Make sure your liability limits, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage are still appropriate for your situation. Homeowners Insurance: If you’ve made improvements, added structures, or purchased valuables, your policy may need updating. Umbrella Policies: These provide an extra layer of protection beyond standard home and auto coverage and can be especially valuable for families with significant assets. Liability Protection: If you host guests, own a pool, or have pets, additional liability coverage may be worth considering. Prevention Is Always Easier Than Recovery While legal support is available after an accident, the goal is always to prevent hardship before it happens. Adequate coverage can help ensure that if the unexpected occurs, you and your family are protected. Taking an hour to review your policies now could save months, or even years, of financial and emotional stress down the road. A Season for Preparedness Spring is all about getting ready for what’s ahead. Just as people clean, organize, and prepare their homes, it’s also the ideal time to make sure your protection plans are current and complete. At GTS Law Firm, we’re committed to helping Charlotte County residents stay informed and protected. Understanding your risks and making proactive decisions today can help you move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

St. Patrick’s Day Safety: Celebrating Responsibly in Charlotte County

By Jason B. Goldman • March 3, 2026
St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, community gatherings, and enjoying time with friends and family. From parades to parties, the holiday brings plenty of excitement but it also comes with increased risks, especially when alcohol is involved. At GTS Law Firm, we encourage everyone in Charlotte County to enjoy the festivities while keeping safety at the forefront. Why St. Patrick’s Day Comes with Higher Risks St. Patrick’s Day is consistently associated with a rise in alcohol-related incidents, including impaired driving, slips and falls, and preventable accidents. Even one poor decision like getting behind the wheel after drinking can have life-changing consequences. Beyond driving, celebrations can also lead to injuries from overcrowded venues, distracted behavior, or simply overconsumption. Being mindful and planning ahead can make all the difference. Smart Ways to Celebrate Safely You can still have a great time while making responsible choices. Here are a few ways to enjoy the holiday and protect yourself and others: Plan a safe ride home. Use a designated driver, rideshare service, or make arrangements in advance. Stay aware of your surroundings. Crowded events can increase the risk of accidents. Pace yourself. Drinking water and eating throughout the day helps prevent overconsumption. Look out for friends. Make sure everyone in your group gets home safely. Host responsibly. If you’re having people over, offer food, non-alcoholic drinks, and help guests arrange safe transportation. The Reality of Impaired Driving Impaired driving remains one of the biggest dangers on St. Patrick’s Day. It doesn’t just put the driver at risk, it endangers passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road. In many personal injury cases, the impact of one moment of poor judgment leads to serious injury, financial stress, and long-term emotional trauma for multiple families. If an Accident Happens Even when you do everything right, you can’t control others’ actions. If you or a loved one is injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether from a drunk driver, unsafe property conditions, or another preventable situation. It’s important to understand your rights and options. Documenting the incident, seeking medical attention right away, and speaking with a legal professional can help protect your well-being and your future. Celebrate the Holiday the Right Way St. Patrick’s Day should be remembered for laughter, connection, and celebration—not for accidents that could have been avoided. A little planning and awareness can go a long way toward keeping the holiday fun and safe for everyone in Charlotte County. From all of us at GTS Law Firm, we wish you a happy, safe, and responsible St. Patrick’s Day.