I defended UM carriers.I know the pressure points. Now I use them for you.
You paid for uninsured motorist coverage so you’d be protected. Then you file a claim and your own insurance company starts acting like the other side.
That’s because on a UM claim, it is the other side. I used to defend these claims. I know exactly where they give.
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The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
In a car crash, your own PIP pays first: up to $10,000 if a doctor finds an emergency medical condition. Fla. Stat. § 627.736
Florida insurers must offer UM coverage. You only lose it if you rejected it in writing on an approved form. Fla. Stat. § 627.727
UM also pays when the at fault driver’s coverage is too low for your injuries, and in hit and run crashes.
If you bought stacked UM, you may combine coverage across the vehicles on your policy.
An insurer that fails to settle a claim fairly when it could and should have can face liability beyond the policy. Fla. Stat. § 624.155
Your personal injury protection (the part of your own car insurance that pays medical bills no matter who caused the crash) covers the first $10,000. Get treatment within 14 days.
I know the pressure points. A UM carrier owes you good faith. It has to evaluate your claim fairly and pay what it’s worth in a reasonable time. I know what a carrier’s file needs to show to avoid exposure, and I build your claim so delay becomes their risk, not yours. That pressure is what moves a carrier to pay full value.
I know how they read your policy. Stacking, rejection forms, household vehicles, exclusions. Carriers look for a reason the coverage doesn’t apply. I check whether the paperwork actually holds up. Often it doesn’t, and that can mean more coverage for you.
I find every layer. The at fault driver’s policy, any employer’s policy, your UM, and UM under other household policies. Every layer found is more money available to you.
I handle your property damage claim at no charge. I handle that claim for you and charge nothing for it.
I handle your case personally. Not a case manager. You call or text, I answer.
Steps that protect your claim.
For a hit and run, report it right away.
Get checked by a doctor within 14 days.
It shows if you have UM and how much.
Notify your insurer of the crash, but don’t give a recorded statement about your injuries yet.
Don’t settle with the at fault driver’s insurer without talking to me. It can affect your UM claim.
Call me.
My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.
Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.
Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.
What your claim can include
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You paid for this coverage so it would be there when you need it. I’ll walk you through what to expect with your carrier before you decide.
That’s an underinsured claim. Your UM can pay above their limits.
Check your declarations page or send it to me. I’ll review it for free.
On a UM claim the carrier steps into the shoes of the at fault driver. It’s normal and expected.
Yes, at no charge.
Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026