If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, the state law requires minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, that coverage often falls short when injuries are severe. As a Florida car accident attorney, Kagan Law PLLC wants you to know that PIP insurance provides just $10,000 total for medical bills and lost wages. Further, it only covers 80% of medical expenses and 60% of wages, up to that limit.
In this blog, we’ll explore why that may not be enough, how laws affect claims in Florida, and when calling a Florida personal injury lawyer is essential.
Understanding Florida’s PIP Rules
- Limited Payment Percentages and Caps
Florida PIP only pays 80% of medically necessary bills and 60% of lost wages, with an overall cap of $10,000.
- Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Medical Conditions
If your injury doesn’t fulfil the criteria of Emergency Medical Condition (EMC), PIP will only pay up to $2,500, not the full $10,000.
- Strict 14-day Rule
You must seek medical care within 14-days of the incident or you’ll lose all PIP benefits, even if injuries appear later.
- What PIP Doesn’t Cover?
As per Florida’s PIP rules, non-economic losses like pain, suffering, or emotional distress cannot be claimed.
- Other Important Limits
PIP doesn’t cover property damage or vehicle repairs. These claims fall under Property Damage Liability (PDL), also min – $10,000, which is often inadequate for modern vehicle costs.
Why Florida PIP Coverage Isn’t Enough After Serious Injuries?
While Florida’s PIP insurance offers some protection, the limits are often too low to cover the financial and personal impact of a car accident. Here are the reasons:
- High Medical Bills
Even a hospital stay or surgery can quickly exceed $20,000, leaving thousands out-of-pocket.
- No Compensation for Pain or Suffering
As mentioned above, PIP doesn’t cover emotional distress, pain and permanent injuries, consequences that are anyway hard to compensate for.
- Lost Wages Gaps
PIP”s wage coverage caps at 60% and is part of the same $10,000 limit. If medical expenses take up most of that, you’ll get minimal help for income lost.
- Passengers & Others
Passengers involved in the car accident and their own policy must file claims separately. You cannot rely on others’ PIP.
How Florida Law Allows You To Go Beyond PIP?
- “Threshold Injuries Can Open a Lawsuit
If you suffer serious injuries, like permanent loss of function, disfigurement or permanent injury, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for damages beyond PIP.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If the other driver cannot fully compensate you, your own UM/UIM policy may fill the gap, if you purchased it.
- Optional MedPay and Higher PIP Limits
You can upgrade your coverage – higher PIP limits, or optional Medical Payments (MedPay), can help cover the 20% not paid by PIP.
The Essential Role of a Florida Car Accident Attorney – How They Can Help?
Navigating the no-fault system in Florida is tricky. But having a Florida car accident attorney on your side can help you make the process a breeze. A skilled lawyer can:
- Analyze whether you meet the “serious injury” thresholds to sue beyond PIP.
- Help manage UM/UIM claims if the driver at fault lacks enough insurance.
- Ensure your medical documentation is timely and thorough, particularly within the 14-day window.
- Fight for full compensation, including pain and suffering, future medical bills, and lost quality of life.
If your PIP benefits fall short, quick legal assistance is crucial.
Get The Compensation You Deserve WIth Professional Help!
PIP coverage or no-fault system in Florida is a valuable beginning, However, for serious injuries, PIP may leave you exposed to overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages. For all these reasons, it’s essential to talk with a reliable Florida car accident attorney who understands these limitations and can guide you toward getting what you truly deserve – full compensation.
Kagan Law PLLC is a reputed firm based in Florida that offers reliable car accident attorney services to help you fight for the justice and recovery you deserve. Our experts will carefully investigate your case, negotiate with the insurers, and follow every legal avenue to maximize your compensation.
So, if you or your loved one has been injured in a crash and PIP isn’t cutting it, contact us right away!