What Is PIP Insurance in Florida? Understanding No-Fault Coverage
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is also commonly known as no-fault insurance. This type of coverage is required in states like Florida that follow no-fault insurance laws. Understanding what PIP insurance is and how no-fault insurance coverage works is essential if you have been critically injured in a collision. Recognizing who should be responsible for compensating you for specific types of damages is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your claim.
Your trial-proven car accident lawyer, Matthew R. Boren, Attorney At Law, can help you understand the insurance company’s financial obligations and explore every opportunity for legal recourse. Here is more about how PIP insurance claims work and what happens if your insurance settlement is not enough to meet your needs.
What Florida PIP Insurance Covers
Personal injury protection coverage does not compensate you for the total value of your damages. Instead, there are specific types of damages that will be paid for as part of your PIP insurance. There are three primary types of losses that PIP covers, including medical costs, loss of income, and death benefits. While you might have hoped your health insurance coverage would be enough, with the cost of medical treatment being astronomically high in the United States, you are going to need as much financial support as you can get.
Medical Expenses
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), after an accident, your PIP coverage will pay for 80% of your medical expenses. For example, if your medical bills amount to $100,000, PIP will cover $80,000 in medical expenses. These can include nearly any type of medical cost related to your treatment and care, such as:
- Ambulance bills
- Co-pays
- Diagnostic testing, including bloodwork and X-rays
- Doctors visits
- Hospital stays
- Medical devices
- Medical exams
- Medical home accommodations
- Over-the-counter drugs
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation, including mental health counseling and occupational therapy
- Surgical intervention
Loss of Income
Your PIP coverage should also compensate you for your loss of income. Generally, PIP coverage in Florida allows for payment of up to 60% of your lost wages, typically with a cap of $10,000. Not only can you tap into this to cover your loss of wages, but these funds can be used to pay for the loss of household services, including assistance taking care of animals, cleaning your home, and other responsibilities you may not be able to handle on your own due to your injuries.
Death Benefits
When a driver has PIP coverage in place, if they pass away, their insurance policy should cover up to $5,000 of their funeral and burial expenses. Benefits may be more comprehensive depending on the circumstances of each case, so do not hesitate to consult your wrongful death attorney if you have additional questions regarding potential PIP death benefits.
How to File a PIP Claim in Florida
When filing a claim for PIP benefits, you will need to do so with your own insurance provider since Florida follows no-fault insurance laws as described under Florida Statute 627.7407. You must get medical treatment within two weeks of the collision to qualify for PIP compensation. The insurance company has as many as 60 days to investigate the claim but must make payment for your damages within 30 days, even if they suspect fraud.
Your truck accident attorney can handle the claim filing and negotiations process on your behalf. This way, you can focus on recuperating from your injuries while we deal with the insurance adjuster. In the meantime, do what you can to continue documenting your expenses and request a salary verification form from your employer so we can seek benefits for your lost income as well.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Attorney for Help Today
Filing a claim against your PIP insurance coverage is one of the best ways to recoup a portion of your damages. However, if your PIP coverage does not cover the total value of your damages, you may need to consider additional legal options. Filing an insurance claim is not the only way to recover the compensation you deserve.
When you are ready to demand justice and ensure those responsible are held accountable for their negligent actions, do not hesitate to contact distinguished personal injury lawyer, Matthew R. Boren for the legal advice you need when you need it most. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule a 100% free consultation today.