Be Careful with your Automobile Insurance Coverage Q & A

How much Automobile Insurance Coverage Do You Have?

Many drivers do not know how much or what automobile insurance coverage they have. It is important to know what coverage you have and your policy limits in case of an accident.  

Why Do You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Unfortunately, there are many uninsured drivers on the road. If you do not have the proper insurance to protect yourself, you could be faced with great financial hardship for an accident you did not cause.  We recommend that you contact your auto insurance company to inquire about Under-insured or Uninsured Motorist coverage. 

If you think you have coverage for an 

accident you need to know  . . . 

This extra coverage is afforded when you are a victim of an accident and the other driver does not have bodily injury coverage or does not have enough coverage for your permanent injury claim.  The cost for this coverage is nominal compared to the benefit you will receive if it is needed. However, in order to carry uninsured motorist coverage you must have bodily injury coverage in the same amount. 

Is Bodily Injury Coverage Required in Florida?

This is about public policy. If you're going to protect yourself against  uninsured motorists, you yourself should not be an uninsured motorist.  The roads are dangerous enough. Take some of the risk that you will be financially devastated by an accident out of the equation and by sufficient bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage. Bodily Injury coverage is not mandatory in the State of Florida, but you can be personally sued if you cause an accident and someone has suffered permanent injuries.     

When people come to our office and say they have full coverage and all they carry is PIP, they are sadly misinformed. They have enough coverage to be legally driving on the road but they are certainly not adequately insured.

Driving Without Insurance

Why is Florida SR-22 Insurance Required?

Florida like many states requires drivers to have car insurance. If you are pulled over by law enforcement and don’t have car insurance, the officer can issue you a citation under § 316.646, Florida Statutes, for operating a vehicle without insurance. Furthermore, if you elect to just pay the resulting ticket, this can result in a guilty plea or a conviction. 

The consequence of a conviction of driving without car insurance is that it your driver’s license and registration will be suspended. In order to reinstate the two, you will be required to purchase a special type of insurance called SR-22, which is more expensive than regular car insurance, and you will have to maintain this insurance for a period of two years. In addition, you will have to pay a reinstatement fee ranging from $150-$500.

If you have received a citation for driving without car insurance and would like assistance with you case, please call our office at (813) 253-3363.

DUI Arrest Contests are Back

DUI Arrest Contests

Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) awarded the University of Florida Police Department with the “Outstanding Dedication to DUI Enforcement and Prevention - University/College Agency” award. Last year alone, UFPD made 97 DUI arrests. According to statistics, approximately 300,000 people drive impaired everyday. 

There are no statistics on how many of those arrested were later cleared of charges

An even more alarming number is nearly 30 people in the U.S. die everyday as a result of an impaired driver. Please do not drink and drive! However, if you have the unfortunate circumstance of being arrested for driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, please contact our office as soon as possible so we can begin working with you to arrive at a just result.

http://news.ufl.edu/articles/2015/08/mothers-against-drunk-driving-honors-uf-police-department.php

DUI Check Points are Back in Gainesville

After a several year hiatus, DUI check points are making there comeback in Gainesville. The last DUI Checkpoint in Gainesville was December 31, 2013. However, members of the Florida Highway Patrol, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department started back up again on June 26, 2015 with a DUI Checkpoint on Archer Road. According the Gainesville Police Department Facebook page, “The Checkpoint serves as an educational tool and reminder for those driving the roadways of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages.” 

Gainesville, FL

DUI Checkpoint

Please do not drink and drive, however, if you or someone you know has had the unfortunate experience of being arrested for driving under the influence, please contact the experienced attorneys at Michael P. Maddux, P.A. to assist you in navigating through both the Division of Motor Vehicle System as well as the Criminal Justice System. 

http://www.alligator.org/news/local/article_af7d0104-bcb7-11e4-9bfa-ff59c21ce1d9.html

https://www.facebook.com/notes/gainesville-police-department/upcoming-roadside-safety-checkpoint-friday-june-26th/869234156446180

Three Things Your Teacher Never Told You About Gasparilla 2015

What Wikipedia

Can't

Tell You About

Gasparilla

From my high school days, I recall parking in outskirt communities and walking into the parade atmosphere.  If you do not live in the area, consider splitting a walkable hotel with friends. Gasparilla fun can be safe and arrest free. Be sure to be prepared to get to and from the festivities safely. 

Gasparilla 2015 Trip Planner

Traffic is horrible so get creative! Think chartered helicopter, designated driver horse and carriage, designated driver motor boat, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) , kayak, designated driver bicycle built-for-two, etc.  But whatever your transport, be good to yourself and others, by practicing safe choices.

First Tip

If walking is not an option, be sure to plan your safe ride in advance. Cabs will undoubtedly abound, but will require the foresight and restraint by you (and your pals) to set aside the cash to get from Point A to Point B. Local taxi phone numbers include:

Suburban Taxi (727) 260 8294, 

Go Taxi Florida (727) 386-6787, 

Metro Taxi (727) 412-2101, 

Yellow Cab (813) 253-0121, 

Cab Plus (813) 288-8888, and 

United Cab (813) 251-5555.

Second Tip

Uber and Lyft are convenient ride-sharing services that will send a driver to pick you up by using the location of your cell phone. Simply download the apps and sign up ahead. Conveniently, you pay with whatever card you register with when signing up, tipping is included in the fare, and both companies often offer some sort of credit for first time users. Be aware that “prime time” or “surge pricing” may apply this weekend, which could mean that ordinary fares may increase significantly.

Zingo is another option. Call 888-ZINGO-11, and your driver will arrive on a foldable motorbike. He or she will then fold up their bike, place it in your trunk, drive you home in your own vehicle, and take off on the motorbike upon your safe return. 

Third Tip

In addition, the Gasparilla 2015 Trolleys, buses (day passes around $4) and streetcars will be running and are most affordable. For more information on pricing and schedules, visit: 

http://www.gohart.blogspot.com/2015/01/set-sail-to-gasparilla-with-hart-and.html?m=1 

Again, if none of the above options strikes your fancy, get creative! Think chartered helicopter, designated driver horse-carriage, designated driver motor boat, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) , kayak, designated driver bicycle built-for-two, etc.  But whatever your transport, be good to yourself and others, by practicing safe choices.

For general information, visit the Official Gasparilla 2015 Website: http://gasparillapiratefest.com/faq.shtml