How Does Car Insurance Work In Florida?
If you are ever involved in a car accident in Gainesville, FL, you may find yourself wondering how car insurance works in the area. Because Florida has “no-fault” car insurance rules, the process to make an insurance claim is different than it is in many other states.
Allen Law Firm, P.A. has represented car accident victims throughout North Central Florida for over 15 years.
We can explain how car insurance works in Gainesville, Florida, and how we can help with your accident claim. Contact us online or call (877) 255-3652 today to speak with an experienced Gainesville car accident lawyer about your case.
How Can Allen Law Firm, P.A., Help With My Car Insurance Claim in Florida?
Our Gainesville, Florida, car accident lawyers have over 100 years of combined legal experience. This has allowed us to garner a long history of success and some of the most prestigious honors in the legal community, including AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, a perfect 10 Avvo rating, and membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
If you hire us to handle your car accident claim, you can trust us to:
- Explain your legal rights and options for holding the negligent driver responsible for your injuries
- Investigate the accident and determine all potentially liable parties and sources of compensation
- Identify the full extent of your losses and calculate fair compensation on your behalf
- Negotiate with the opposing party to reach a settlement agreement
If you’d like further information or are ready to get started, just give us a quick call today to set up a free consultation.
What Is Florida’s Mandatory Minimum Insurance?
Florida law requires all registered drivers to maintain mandatory minimum amounts of auto insurance. All drivers must maintain at least $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. This covers the damages drivers cause to others’ vehicles. They must also maintain at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which covers some of their own losses, regardless of fault. There are different insurance requirements for vehicles registered as taxis or those involved in ridesharing services.
What Does Personal Injury Protection Cover?
PIP insurance is intended to allow accident victims to recover certain benefits after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. Florida law states that this insurance covers up to $10,000 for the following expenses you incur because of a motor vehicle accident:
- 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages due to the car accident
- $5,000 in death benefits
To receive PIP benefits, you must receive initial medical care within 14 days of the motor vehicle accident.
How Does The No-Fault Insurance System Work In Florida?
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you report the accident to your own car insurance company. You work with your insurer to handle your claim and cover your accident-related expenses. Your PIP insurance typically covers you, your immediate family, and other members of your household.
When Can I File a Claim Against the At-Fault Party?
Florida’s PIP insurance system is designed to help keep small cases out of the courtroom. However, there are times when you can file a claim against the at-fault party, such as:
Claim Falls Outside The PIP System
There may be times when the accident falls outside the PIP system. For example, PIP insurance does not apply to motorcycle accidents. In other situations, another party may be responsible for the accident.
For example, a product manufacturer may be responsible if a defective product caused the accident. Employers may be responsible for the negligence of their employees. Governments may be responsible for injuries caused by dangerous roadway designs or poor maintenance.
Serious Injury
Florida law also allows you to sue the at-fault party outside the PIP system if you suffered a serious injury, which is defined as any of the following:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical certainty
- Significant and permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Death
If you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, you can seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, which may include:
- The full amount of medical expenses you incur that exceeds your PIP coverage
- The full amount of your lost wages that exceed your PIP coverage
- The lost earning capacity you suffer due to your injuries
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses you incur because of the accident
- Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
An experienced car accident lawyer can explain how much a personal injury claim might be worth.
Contact a Gainesville Car Accident Attorney for Legal Assistance and Advice
If you are considering filing an insurance claim following a car accident, reach out to an experienced lawyer from Allen Law Firm, P.A. We can explain how car insurance works in Florida and the options that are available to you. Contact us today for a free case review with a trusted Gainesville car accident attorney.
Related Articles:
- Car Accident FAQs
- Can I Be Compensated For Pre-Existing Conditions After a Car Accident?
- Florida Child Car Seat Laws
- Car Color and Crash Risk
- Florida Car Inspection Laws
- Most Dangerous Roads & Intersections in Gainesville, FL
- Do I Have To Go to Court After a Car Accident in Gainesville, Florida?
