PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection and is a requirement in the state of Florida. According to Florida law, all drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability.
If you are involved in an accident, you receive coverage, no matter who is at fault. That’s why PIP coverage is commonly called Florida’s no-fault insurance.
How Does PIP Coverage Work?
If you are injured in a car accident, your personal PIP coverage is used to cover a portion of your lost wages and medical costs, no matter which is held liable for the accident. PIP will cover 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to the policy limit. Since no-fault determination is required, most PIP payments are made quickly.
To receive PIP benefits, it is required that you seek medical care within 14 days of your accident. Also, if there is no “emergency medical condition” caused by the accident, you will only receive $2,500 in total PIP benefits. Emergency medical conditions require immediate care and may result in serious problems if not treated quickly.
Who Is Covered by PIP Insurance?
You may wonder who can receive benefits from PIP insurance. This is a good question. Individuals who will be covered by PIP insurance include:
- Passengers in your vehicle who don’t have PIP coverage
- Any family members who live with an insured person
- The insured individual, regardless of if they are in an accident while in their vehicle, as a pedestrian, or while riding a bike
PIP coverage extends to passengers who don’t have coverage, so they can receive compensation for any injuries they sustained while you were driving.
Is It Possible to File a PIP Claim and a Legal Claim?
In Florida, you can submit a claim to receive PIP benefits from your insurer. However, if the PIP coverage does not fully compensate you for your losses, you can also file a claim against the negligent driver who was considered liable for the accidents and, as a result, your injuries.
In some cases, making a PIP claim will prevent you from having to seek legal compensation from negligent drivers. This is worth noting because usually, PIP will only cover your medical costs and lost wages. It doesn’t usually cover your pain and suffering.
Because of this, you don’t want to lose the ability to file a legal claim against the at-fault party, especially if negligence is clear, by making your PIP claim.
If you have a case that makes it possible for you to file a PIP claim and a legal claim, this can be beneficial. To know for sure, speak with an attorney. Our team of attorneys can review your case and determine if you are eligible to file both claims or to help you decide which claim to file to ensure you receive the most compensation possible for your injuries.
Do You Have to Hire an Attorney for a PIP Claim?
The purpose of PIP is to protect you from the unexpected financial strain of lost wages and medical bills that may be seen after you are involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, some insurance companies don’t want to pay out claims, and they will do almost anything to avoid this. If you must dispute a denial, having an attorney can help.
Contact Us Today
If you need help knowing what type of insurance claim to make after an auto accident, contact our team of attorneys from Zimmet&Zimmet Lawyers by calling (386) 202-1412. We are here to help.
