Is PIP Insurance Required on my Policy in Florida?

What is Personal Injury Protection?

PIP insurance is part of a driver’s auto policy that pays for medical expenses and costs such as lost wages, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Florida law requires vehicle owners to have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage.

PIP not only covers you, the driver, it also applies to your children, members of your household, and passengers who don’t have PIP Insurance because they do not own a vehicle. Your PIP coverage also protects you if you are a passenger in someone else's vehicle, and while walking or biking if you suffer injuries in a crash involving a motor vehicle.

Passengers riding in your car who have PIP insurance will receive compensation for their injuries under their own PIP insurance. A driver who is driving your vehicle with your permission can also receive coverage from his or her own PIP policy.

How much does PIP Insurance cover?

After any applicable deductibles, PIP covers:

• 80% of medical expenses such as ambulance costs, hospitalization, doctor visits, medication, and dental care.
• 60% of lost wages due to your injuries.
• Certain household expenses If you are unable to perform household tasks, care for children or other dependents, PIP may pay for these services.

It is essential to keep in mind that you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of a motor vehicle accident to receive compensation from a PIP claim. In addition, Florida’s “No-Fault” statute requires that you have an emergency medical condition (EMC) to receive the full amount of benefits for your injuries.

Florida law defines an “emergency medical condition” as a medical condition that if not immediately treated, could cause serious jeopardy to a patient’s health, bodily functions, and any bodily organ or part. If a physician determines that your injuries do not meet the level of an EMC, you are entitled to only $2,500 in PIP benefits for medical treatment.

If you have been seriously injured, $2,500 may not fully cover the cost of medical treatments. An experienced car accident attorney can help you seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver if your PIP benefits have been maxed out.

Other Damages

Typically, non-economic damages like pain and suffering are excluded from the no-fault/PIP process. An experienced personal injury attorney can also help you to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer for damages such as:

• Wrongful death
• Pain and Suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of future earnings

Adequate Insurance Coverage is Essential

Carrying adequate property liability and PIP insurance on your vehicle is the law, and is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family in the event of an accident. While PIP insurance may cover your most basic medical expenses, purchasing additional collision, medical payments, bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage can provide peace of mind and financial stability if you suffer severe injuries in a motor vehicle accident.

If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured, Contact an Attorney

Enlisting the counsel of an experienced car accident attorney is advisable after any motor vehicle accident, especially in no-fault states. Whether you are seeking compensation from your PIP insurance policy, a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim, a skilled personal injury attorney will assess your case, present all options available to you, and help you decide the best course of action to take.

Knowing that you have the support of an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights makes a difficult time easier for you and your family. Our understanding and knowledgeable attorneys are experienced in dealing with no-fault Florida law and PIP claims can help to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Lowman Law Firm at (352) 796-0016 or toll-free at (866) 9-LOWMAN.