Florida Man's Insurance Payout Delayed Months After DUI Crash

DUI Crash and Initial Aftermath

• 🚗 Bryan Schoonover was hospitalized after being hit by an accused drunk driver, Tyler Lagano, on Halloween.
• 🤕 Schoonover sustained serious injuries including torn neck muscles, a broken nose, and an arm scar, while his truck was totaled.
• ⚖️ The accused driver, Lagano, faces multiple felony charges including DUI and has a history of traffic violations.

Insurance Claim Complications

• 💰 Schoonover's primary concern was the cost of damages, only to find the at-fault driver had the state bare minimum of $10,000 for property damage.
• ⏳ Months later, Schoonover has not received any payout from Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Company, despite their acknowledgment of fault.
• 🚧 The delay is possibly due to a damaged one-way sign at the crash site, which the insurance company claims prevents them from settling until Pasco County sends a bill.

Legal and Consumer Protection Issues

• 🗣️ Attorney David Murray explains that insurance companies may slowplay the claims process as a delay tactic to keep money in their accounts longer.
• ⚠️ Murray advocates for more consumer protections in Florida to aid individuals involved in accidents that are not their fault.
• 📈 He also questions Florida's $10,000 minimum car insurance requirement for property damage, stating it is outdated and should be increased.

Personal Impact and Advice

• 💸 Schoonover dipped into his savings to purchase a used truck for around $11,000, exceeding the state minimum coverage.
• 😔 He expresses frustration and a feeling of not being made whole after the accident.
• 💡 The case highlights the importance of carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which Schoonover did not have.