Do you live in Florida and want to know what the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law is all about? You’ve come to the right place! This blog post will provide you with all the information you need to know about Florida’s PIP law.
From the basics of PIP insurance to understanding the coverage limits, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Florida PIP law. Keep reading to get a better understanding of the important aspects of this law and how it affects you as a Floridian.
What is PIP?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of auto insurance coverage that is mandatory for all drivers in the state of Florida. PIP pays for certain medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits for people injured in an automobile accident, regardless of who was at fault. This type of coverage is also known as no-fault insurance because it will cover the costs of your injuries no matter who is responsible for the accident.
PIP insurance covers 80% of your medical bills, up to $10,000, for services such as hospital care, surgery, X-rays, and doctor visits. PIP also covers 60% of your lost wages, up to $10,000, and up to $5,000 in death benefits.
It is important to note that PIP does not cover non-emergency medical services or medical treatment unrelated to automobile accidents. It also does not cover property damage. Therefore, if you are involved in an accident, it is important to carry liability insurance to cover any property damage or any other losses.
What Is the Florida PIP Law?
The Florida PIP (Personal Injury Protection) law is a type of “no-fault” insurance required for all drivers in Florida. PIP provides coverage for medical and other related expenses that result from a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who is at fault.
PIP is designed to cover medical expenses for you, your family members, or any passengers riding in your car that have been injured in an auto accident up to the policy limits set by your insurance company.
It also covers some lost wages and other non-medical-related expenses, like funeral costs. Under the Florida PIP law, drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in coverage, and their insurance companies must provide the coverage regardless of fault.
This means that even if you are at fault for an accident, you are still eligible to receive coverage under your PIP policy. The PIP law ensures everyone has access to medical care after a car accident, regardless of who is responsible.
Who Is Covered Under PIP?
The Florida PIP law, otherwise known as the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, is designed to provide certain medical benefits for people injured in an automobile accident. Under this law, each person involved in an accident must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. The PIP insurance is intended to cover certain medical expenses for everyone involved in the accident, regardless of who was at fault.
PIP insurance covers any driver or passenger in the vehicle with PIP insurance at the time of the accident. This includes the policyholder, the policyholder’s family members, and any other individuals driving or riding in a car covered by the policyholder’s PIP insurance. It also includes pedestrians who may be injured by a car insured with PIP coverage.
It’s important to note that PIP coverage is not health insurance. Instead, it provides limited medical benefits for injuries sustained in an auto accident. PIP insurance typically requires a minimum coverage limit of $10,000 per person, although drivers can purchase higher limits if they choose to do so.
What expenses are covered by PIP?
PIP coverage in Florida is designed to cover medical expenses related to car accidents, no matter who is at fault. It will cover 80% of the expenses up to a certain limit, depending on your policy and the specific type of expense. Generally speaking, PIP covers the following expenses:
- Medical bills and costs associated with hospital stays, doctor visits, ambulance rides, X-rays, lab tests, and physical therapy
- Prescription drugs
- Medical equipment
- Funeral expenses if an accident results in death
PIP also covers lost wages up to 60% of what you normally would have earned during the same period. It also pays out death benefits to family members if a person dies in an accident.
When filing a PIP claim, you must provide proof of all related expenses, including receipts, invoices, and documents from your healthcare provider. You will need to submit this documentation to your insurance company to get reimbursed for the expenses.
It is important to be aware that PIP does not cover certain types of medical treatments, such as massage therapy or acupuncture. If you have questions about what expenses may be covered by PIP, it is best to speak directly with your insurance provider and lawyer.
When And How to File A PIP Claim in Florida
To be eligible for PIP reimbursement, it’s important to note that treatment for any injuries must happen within two weeks of the car accident. Your insurance company has up to 60 days to investigate your claim and make payment.
However, they must pay out any damages within 30 days.
If you find that your case is not straightforward or your insurance company is giving you issues, it might be a good idea to enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer. To help ensure that you receive your PIP reimbursement, be sure to keep a log of all medical expenses after the accident.
Additionally, your employer will need to fill out and submit a wage and salary verification form. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also need to get a note from your physician detailing how you are disabled.
What If an Insurance Company Denies A PIP Claim?
If an insurance company denies a PIP claim, you have the right to challenge that decision and appeal it. You can file an appeal within 30 days of the initial denial. Your appeal should include supporting evidence for your claim and the reason why you believe the claim should be approved.
You may also consider filing a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. This department handles disputes between insurers and insured parties. You will need to provide detailed information about your case and why you feel your claim was wrongfully denied.
It is important to note that insurance companies are not always correct in denying a PIP claim. An experienced attorney can help you fight back against an unjust denial, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can review your case and advise on the best course of action. An attorney can also prepare the necessary paperwork and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings.
Why Hire a Pembroke Pines Car Accident Lawyer to Help You with Your PIP Claim?
Navigating the complexities of the Florida PIP law in Pembroke Pines, Florida, can be difficult and overwhelming. Having a knowledgeable and experienced Pembroke Pines car accident lawyer on your side can make the process easier and more successful. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, determine what damages you may be entitled to, file a PIP claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
A Pembroke Pines car accident lawyer at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers can also help you if your insurance company denies your PIP claim. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to assess the denial and advise you on your best course of action to challenge it. They can help to gather evidence to support your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
At the end of the day, hiring an experienced Pembroke Pines car accident lawyer is the best way to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible under the Florida PIP law. With their expertise and knowledge, they can handle all the paperwork, communication and negotiations required to get you the compensation you deserve.