About No-Fault Law in Florida
Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means drivers are required to have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and $10,000 in property damage liability. PIP provides compensation for certain damages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
About PIP Coverage in Florida
PIP (also referred to as no-fault insurance) provides compensation for the accident-related expenses of drivers and passengers up to the limit of the insurance policy, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, including:
- 80 percent of medical bills
- 60 percent of lost wages as a result of the accident
- $5,000 in death benefits
- Mileage to and from medical offices
An important component of the no-fault structure is that it limits your ability to file a claim against an at-fault driver. In order to do so, your medical bills much reach a certain level. If you wish to file a claim against an at-fault driver, a car accident attorney can help determine if you meet the criteria.
Making PIP Claims ASAP
Florida outlines strict rules on filing a PIP claim. After an accident, you need to seek treatment for your injuries within two weeks of the accident date in order to be eligible for PIP reimbursement. When filing a claim it is always wise to begin the process as soon as possible in order to avoid running out of time. When you file your claim, you will have to provide statements to your insurance company regarding the nature of your accident and relinquish any documents that your insurance company needs to make a decision regarding your claim.
If you’re considering hiring an attorney to assist you with the matter, we recommend you do so before discussing the accident with your insurance company. It is wise to refrain from giving statements until you’ve consulted with your legal counsel.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Get PIP Benefits?
The purpose of PIP is to protect you from unexpected medical bills and lost wages after an accident. If your insurance company is disputing your claim or not paying the full benefits, it may be wise to consider how a Florida lawyer can help.
At Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman, we have the skill and experience to help you take full advantage of all the options available to you following your accident. We can help you choose the best path toward recovering compensation for your injuries and expenses, starting with a complimentary case review (we do not charge a recovery fee). If you have been in an accident and have sustained serious injuries as a result, we urge you to get in touch with a member of our team as soon as possible.
Call 561-899-2100 or contact us online to speak with a Florida attorney now.