Fort Myers Uninsured Motorist Accidents: Causes, Risks, and Legal Help

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Fort Myers, FL

Uninsured motorist accidents occur when a driver without required auto insurance causes a collision. In Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida, these crashes present unique challenges for injured victims. You may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and property damage costs with little or no compensation unless you or the other driver carries Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Florida drivers are legally required to carry a minimum of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage, but it is common for motorists to be underinsured or entirely uninsured on the roads. 

Fort Myers drivers should know that Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured motorists in the country. Industry estimates suggest as many as 15–20% of Florida drivers are uninsured, which means nearly one in five motorists on the road could be driving without insurance, increasing the risk of being in a crash with someone who can’t cover your losses. 

Common Causes of Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Failure to Maintain Required Insurance

Despite legal requirements, many drivers fail to maintain active insurance due to cost pressures or lapses in coverage. This leaves victims without a clear path to compensation when those uninsured drivers cause accidents. 

Hit-and-Run Collisions

Hit-and-run accidents often involve uninsured or unidentified drivers who flee the scene. In these cases, uninsured motorist coverage is usually the only avenue to recover compensation for injuries and damages. 

Insufficient Coverage Limits

Some drivers carry only the legal minimum insurance amounts (such as PIP and PDL), which are frequently insufficient to cover severe injuries or significant property damage. These underinsured motorists may be unable to pay full claims, necessitating UM/UIM claims by victims. 

Distracted and Reckless Driving

Accidents caused by distracted driving, speeding, impairment, and other negligent behaviors are common in Florida. When these collisions involve uninsured motorists, the financial and emotional toll on victims can be even greater. Florida reported millions of traffic crashes annually, with hundreds of thousands of injuries and thousands of deaths, highlighting the inherent dangers on state roads. 

2024–2025 Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics Relevant to Uninsured Motorist Crashes

Florida remains among the most dangerous states for motorists. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Florida experienced hundreds of thousands of traffic crashes, resulting in significant numbers of injuries and fatalities in recent reporting years. These numbers place additional emphasis on the importance of adequate insurance coverage for all drivers. 

While specific uninsured motorist crash data isn’t always separated in statewide reports, the high uninsured rate — estimated between 15% and 20% of drivers without valid insurance — amplifies the risk of being injured in a collision where the at‑fault party cannot pay for damages. 

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Helps Protect You

Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are optional in Florida but essential protections in Fort Myers. UM/UIM policies cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage that the at‑fault motorist cannot pay due to lack of insurance or inadequate coverage. Without this coverage, victims may be left bearing the financial burden themselves or pursuing complex legal claims against an individual with limited resources. 

How Pittman Law Firm, P.L. Can Help in Fort Myers

At Pittman Law Firm, P.L., we provide experienced personal injury representation to clients throughout Fort Myers, Southwest Florida, Naples, and all counties of Southwest Florida, with offices conveniently located in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Our attorneys understand the complexities of uninsured motorist claims and personal injury law. We guide you through crucial steps, including:

• Evaluating your insurance policy and UM/UIM coverage
• Filing claims against insurance companies
• Pursuing full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering
• Taking legal action when insurers refuse to pay fairly

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Taking Action After an Uninsured Motorist Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Fort Myers or anywhere in Southwest Florida:

1. Seek immediate medical attention — Your health comes first.
2. Contact the police and document the crash — Accurate reports help your claim.
3. Preserve evidence — Photos, witness statements, and medical records are key.
4. Consult with a personal injury attorney — Don’t navigate insurance claims alone.

Pittman Law Firm, P.L., is here to help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an uninsured motorist accident in Fort Myers or elsewhere in Southwest Florida, contact Pittman Law Firm, P.L., now for a free consultation and trusted legal guidance.