January 2026 Newsletter
Trusted Experience. Proven Success. Unmatched Service.
Happy New Year! Time to kick off what will be my short-lived new diet and health regimen! Hopefully the Holidays were a time of laughter and joy for you and your loved ones. If not, my prayer would be that 2026 would bring some comfort and peace (and prosperity!)
Karen Montas, Esq.
Legally Speaking...
New Year, New Coverage: Is Your Auto Policy Ready for 2026?
Whether you’re committing to a new fitness routine, focusing on career goals, or simply reorganizing your home, this is the perfect season for getting your ducks in a row.
Amidst this annual evaluation and fresh start, we urge you to dedicate a crucial moment to one very important part of your life: your auto insurance policy. Just as you refresh your goals, it's the ideal time to ensure your coverage is up-to-date and truly provides the proper protection you and your family deserve. Let's make sure you start the year fully secured!
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist:
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist coverage (also called UM coverage) is insurance that you purchase under your own policy. It applies when the party at fault either has no Bodily Injury coverage, or has very low Bodily Injury coverage, and your injuries exceed their coverage.
Bodily Injury coverage is the insurance that you can recover from the At-Fault party for your pain and suffering, out of pocket expenses, and outstanding medical bills or wages. Bodily Injury is not mandatory coverage, and drivers oftentimes do not purchase it or select coverage that is very low such as a $10,000 policy. Therefore, to protect yourself, UM coverage is a great idea.
Example: The driver has no Bodily Injury coverage. However, you have UM coverage. Therefore, you can make a claim under your UM policy.
Example 2: The driver has only $10,000 in Bodily Injury coverage. If your injuries and damages exceed the available Bodily Injury coverage, you can then make both the Bodily Injury policy recovery and make a claim against your UM coverage.
Bodily Injury:
Bodily Injury coverage (also called BI coverage) is insurance that you purchase under your own policy. It is designed to protect you financially if you are found to be at fault for an accident that results in injuries to someone else.
Common Causes of Car Accidents:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has performed numerous studies on the causes of car accidents over the years. Based on their studies the most common causes of car accidents are as follows:
1. Distracted Driving
2. Speeding
3. Impaired Driver
4. Aggressive Driving/Road Rage
5. Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
6. Weather Conditions
7. Road Conditions
8. Fatigued Driving
9. Car Defects
No one plans for a motor vehicle accident, but they can be life-altering when they happen. Even with defensive driving and the right insurance, the unexpected still happens. If it happens to you or someone you know, Montas & Turner is here to navigate the legal process and protect what matters most.
Recent Accident?
Your insurance coverage can be affected by what you
do after a motor vehicle accident.
Montas Turner, P.A. in the Community:
Employee Spotlight
Sarah Laleau is one of our Insurance Defense paralegals and a Brevard County native who holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida—Go Knights! She is happily married and a proud parent of two young children, balancing family life with her career and personal goals. A lifelong soccer player who competed at the collegiate level, Sarah has gone on to complete five marathons and numerous other distance races. She is currently training for a Disney World half marathon benefiting the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), as well as a full marathon supporting breast cancer research.
Karen's Shoe of the Month!
If you know Attorney Karen Montas, you know she is a shoe connoisseur. These chic, colorful studded heels would elevate any outfit for your New Year's festivities. 🎉