If you were hurt in a car accident in Florida, you may be wondering:
Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) cover lost wages?
The answer is yes, but with specific rules and requirements under Florida law.
This guide explains how wage loss coverage works, what documentation you need, how much you can receive, and what to do if your wage loss claim is denied or underpaid.
What Is PIP in Florida?
In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is mandatory auto insurance that pays certain economic losses after a crash regardless of who was at fault.
PIP is part of Florida’s no-fault insurance system, designed to pay bills quickly without waiting for fault or a lawsuit.
The typical PIP policy in Florida covers:
- Medical expenses (80% of reasonable and necessary treatment)
- Lost wage benefits (60% of lost income)
- Other accident-related economic loss
Does PIP Cover Lost Wages?
Yes. Florida PIP covers a portion of your lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
Specifically, PIP pays:
60% of your lost income
for the time you are unable to work due to injuries from the car accident, up to your policy limits.
This applies whether you:
- Are employed full-time
- Are part-time or freelance
- Are self-employed
You do not need to prove fault to receive wage loss benefits — only that your injuries caused the income loss.
How PIP Wage Loss Works in Practice
To receive PIP wage loss benefits in Florida:
1. Seek Medical Treatment Promptly
Florida law requires that you seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to activate PIP coverage. Missing this deadline is one of the most common reasons wage loss claims get denied.
2. Provide Documentation of Your Injury
You must show that a medical professional confirmed you are unable to work because of your accident-related injuries.
3. Provide Wage Verification
To prove your wage loss, you’ll typically need:
✔ Pay stubs showing your prior earnings
✔ Employer statements confirming hours lost
✔ A doctor’s statement linking your inability to work to your injuries
✔ Tax records for self-employed individuals
Without proper documentation, insurers can reduce or deny your wage loss benefits.
How Long Can You Get PIP Wage Loss Benefits?
PIP wage loss benefits continue as long as:
✔ You are under medical care for accident-related injuries
✔ You can prove you are unable to work due to those injuries
✔ You have not reached your policy’s maximum limit
If your wage loss continues long after the crash, keeping thorough documentation is essential to preserving your benefits.
What PIP Wage Loss Does Not Cover
Florida PIP does not cover:
❌ Lost future earning capacity
❌ Pain and suffering
❌ Non-economic losses
❌ Lost wages after medical care is complete
❌ Full income replacement (PIP only pays 60%)
For losses beyond what PIP pays, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, especially if your injuries are serious under Florida’s injury threshold law.
What If My Wage Loss Claim Is Denied or Underpaid?
PIP wage loss claims can be denied for reasons such as:
🚫 Missing the 14-day medical treatment deadline
🚫 Lack of proper wage documentation
🚫 Insufficient proof that injuries caused the work limitation
🚫 Disputes over whether treatment was accident-related
If your PIP wage loss claim is denied, that decision is not necessarily final.
📞 Call Lowman Law Firm at (352) 607-7777 — an experienced Florida car accident attorney can review your claim, gather the necessary documentation, and help dispute improper denials.
Can I Get Additional Compensation Beyond PIP Wage Loss?
Yes — PIP wage loss is only one part of your potential recovery.
If your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, you may be eligible to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver for:
✔ Full lost wages and future earnings
✔ Pain and suffering
✔ Medical bills beyond PIP limits
✔ Loss of earning capacity
PIP only addresses the immediate economic impact of your accident. For long-term or non-economic losses, legal action against the responsible party’s insurer may be necessary.
📞 Call Lowman Law Firm at (352) 607-7777 to discuss your full range of legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About PIP Wage Loss in Florida
Does PIP pay for lost wages in Florida?
Yes. Florida PIP pays 60% of your lost income when your injuries prevent you from working.
Do I have to prove the other driver was at fault to get wage loss benefits?
No. PIP is no-fault insurance — wage loss benefits are paid regardless of fault.
How soon after a crash must I seek treatment?
To qualify for PIP wage loss benefits, you must start medical care within 14 days of the accident.
What documentation is required for wage loss?
You must provide medical records confirming your injuries, employer wage verification, and documentation of hours missed or income lost.
Can PIP cover self-employed wage loss?
Yes. Self-employed individuals can receive PIP wage loss benefits with appropriate documentation, like tax records and invoices showing lost income.
What if my PIP wage loss claim is denied?
A denial is not always final. You can appeal the decision, provide additional evidence, or pursue legal action. Lowman Law Firm can help.
📞 Call (352) 607-7777 for a free consultation.
Can I pursue full lost wages beyond 60%?
Yes. If your injuries are serious under Florida law, you may pursue a liability claim against the at-fault driver to recover full lost wages and additional damages.
Need Help With Your Wage Loss Claim? Call Today
If you were injured in a Florida car accident and need help understanding or pursuing your PIP wage loss benefits, help is available.
📞 Call Lowman Law Firm at (352) 607-7777 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’ll review your claim, advise you on your rights under Florida law, and help you pursue full compensation.
