What Does PIP Stand For?
PIP stands for “Personal Injury Protection.” Personal Injury Protection is a type of car insurance coverage drivers purchase when they live in a state with no-fault insurance laws. Florida is one of dozen or more states that require PIP coverage.
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Drivers in Florida?
Florida requires all motor vehicle owners to purchase Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage in the amount of $10,000. However, PIP insurance does not apply to motorcycles. The maximum amount of PIP coverage is $10,000.
You cannot waive PIP Insurance in Florida. However, you can reduce the cost of insurance coverage by increasing your insurance deductible. You may also exclude some household members from coverage to reduce the cost of PIP insurance.
Drivers can purchase other types of coverage for car accidents. For example, they may purchase liability insurance coverage, but it is not required in Florida. They may also buy uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and MedPay insurance.
Drivers must also purchase PDL (Property Damage Liability) insurance coverage in the amount of $10,000. PDL insurance pays to repair property damage to another person’s vehicle if you cause the accident.
Who is Covered by Your PIP Insurance Policy?
Your PIP policy will cover you if you are injured in a car accident. It applies whether you were the driver, passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian. It also covers any uninsured passengers injured in an accident where you were the driver.
PIP insurance covers your family members living in your household. Further, an insured may elect to limit PIP coverage to specific household members. PIP insurance also covers pedestrians and bicyclists you strike with your car.
Payment of Medical Bills by PIP Insurance After an Auto Accident
PIP insurance policies pay for medical expenses related to an auto accident. However, not all of your medical expenses are covered by your no-fault insurance policy.
PIP insurance pays up to 80 percent of your medical costs. If you did not sustain an emergency medical condition, there is a $2,500 cap on what insurance companies must pay for medical expenses.
Medical bills include, but might not be limited to, emergency medical services, hospital charges, surgical costs, diagnostic tests, dentists, medical doctors, and nursing care. You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to receive medical payments coverage.
PIP Insurance Also Covers Lost Wages After a Car Accident
In addition to paying your medical expenses, your PIP insurance covers a portion of the lost wages incurred because of the car accident. You may file a claim for up to 60 percent of your loss of income and earning capacity.
However, the loss of income and medical payments claimed cannot exceed the policy limits. Therefore, if your medical bills exceed $10,000, you will not receive any money for your loss of income.
Other Benefits Paid Under a PIP Insurance Policy
If you or another covered individual dies because of injuries sustained in the car crash, your PIP insurance pays up to $5,000 in death benefits. The death benefits include funeral expenses.
Additionally, no-fault insurance policies may cover up to 60 percent of the costs incurred for household services. Your injuries must prevent you from performing these tasks for coverage to apply.
Can I Sue the Other Driver for a Florida Car Accident?
Florida’s insurance laws permit accident victims to sue an at-fault driver for damages. However, you must sustain serious injuries as defined by the statute to have the right to file a lawsuit.
The types of damages you can recover from a car accident claim against the other driver are more extensive than benefits under no-fault insurance policies. For example, you could receive compensation for all loss of income and medical bills. You may also receive compensation for other out-of-pocket expenses and economic damages related to the car accident.
Additionally, the at-fault driver may be liable for your non-economic damages. These damages refer to the pain and suffering you experience because of the accident and your injuries. Pain and suffering may include physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
Non-economic damages also include compensation for your permanent impairments, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring. It also compensates you for a decrease in your quality of life caused by car accident injuries.
Before you can recover any money for damages from the at-fault driver, you have the burden of proving that the driver caused the car crash. If you cannot prove the elements of a negligence claim, the other driver is not financially liable for your damages.
Contact Our Ocala Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Were you injured in an automobile accident? If so, you may be entitled to PIP benefits. You also may be entitled to compensation from the person who caused your accident.
No-fault insurance laws can be confusing. Filing PIP claims are not always straightforward. The insurance company may deny valid claims or pay less than they are required to pay for medical bills and loss of income.
Contact our law office today to schedule your free consultation with one of our Ocala personal injury lawyers to discuss your options for recovering compensation for damages. It does not cost anything to discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney.
