Florida PIP Insurance Lawyer

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, commonly referred to as no-fault insurance, covers medical expenses and other losses from a vehicle accident for you and your policy members, regardless of fault. States like Florida mandate PIP coverage.

Ideally, your claim would be handled quickly and fairly by the insurance company. However, most car accident claims encounter complications. Unfortunately, insurance companies often prioritize their financial interests over prompt service, which may result in delays and frustration in settling your claim.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident shouldn’t involve unnecessary obstacles.

If you have been in a car accident, you might be uncertain about your next steps. Speaking with the personal injury protection (PIP) lawyers at Dismuke Law can aid in ensuring you recover the compensation you deserve.

What Is PIP Insurance?

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, also known as no-fault insurance, is a type of coverage included in auto insurance policies that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other incidental costs associated with injuries from a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. This means that even if you are at fault for an accident, your PIP coverage will still provide benefits.

PIP insurance is designed to ensure that following a car accident, financial concerns regarding immediate medical care, and loss of income do not add to the stress of the situation. It allows policyholders and their passengers to receive medical attention without waiting for insurance companies to determine fault, which can often be a lengthy process.

PIP is mandatory in Florida and provides a minimum coverage amount that must be included in every auto insurance policy. Beyond medical costs and lost earnings, PIP can also cover services like childcare and household maintenance, which may be needed due to incapacitation from the accident.

What Does PIP Insurance Cover?

In Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance offers up to $10,000 for policyholders to utilize in various ways following a car accident. This amount can help cover expenses such as prescription medications, surgical procedures, and ambulance services. Additionally, PIP insurance compensates for lost earnings, home care services, pet care, and even funeral expenses if necessary. The coverage generally takes care of up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. For instance, if you incur $8,000 in medical bills, your PIP insurance would contribute approximately $6,000 towards those costs.

Should your total damages remain below $10,000, you still have the option to pursue further compensation from the at-fault driver for any expenses not covered by your PIP insurance. This allows you the possibility to sue for additional damages from the responsible party.

How to File a PIP Claim in Florida 

Filing a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim can be a straightforward process if you understand the necessary steps. The following is a guide to help you through it:

• Notify Your Insurance Provider: Immediately after a car accident, contact your insurance company to report the incident. Most insurers have a deadline for when claims must be filed, usually within a few days of the accident.
• Complete a Claim Form: Your insurer will require you to fill out a claim form. This form gathers details about the accident and the nature of your injuries. Be thorough and accurate in your documentation to avoid delays.
• Collect Documentation: Gather all relevant documents that support your claim. This includes medical records, bills, proof of lost wages, and any other expenses related to your injuries. These documents are crucial for verifying the costs you are claiming.
• Submit the Necessary Documentation: Along with your completed claim form, submit all gathered documentation to your insurance provider. Ensure that you keep copies for your records.
• Follow Up: After submitting your claim, keep in touch with your insurance company to monitor the progress of your claim. If additional information or documentation is required, provide it promptly to avoid further delays.
• Review the Settlement Offer: Once your insurer processes the claim, they will make a settlement offer. Review this offer carefully to ensure it covers all your expenses and losses. If the offer is insufficient, you may need to seek legal counsel from the lawyers at Dismuke Law to negotiate a settlement that covers your losses.

Under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) regulations, you have a 14-day window to seek medical treatment after an accident. It’s advisable to get medical attention as soon as possible following a crash. Consulting a doctor promptly will ensure that a professional assesses the extent of your injuries, which is crucial for both your health and any insurance claims you may need to file.

What Medical Expenses Are Covered With PIP? 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is designed to cover various medical expenses that arise due to a car accident. The following is an overview of the types of medical costs typically covered by PIP:

1. Emergency Services: Expenses for ambulance rides and emergency room visits are generally covered, ensuring immediate care following an accident.
2. Medical Treatments: This includes costs for surgical procedures, hospital stays, and visits to healthcare professionals such as doctors and chiropractors. PIP aims to cover all necessary and reasonable medical care needed to treat your injuries.
3. Rehabilitation Costs: Recovery often requires ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy. PIP coverage extends to these rehabilitation expenses to help you regain your pre-accident level of health and functionality.
4. Diagnostic Tests: Necessary diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays, MRIs, and other scans that are crucial for diagnosing your injuries, are also covered under PIP.
5. Medication and Medical Supplies: Prescription drugs and necessary medical equipment like crutches or braces are typically covered under PIP insurance.
6. Other Related Costs: In some cases, PIP also covers additional services such as psychiatric care, acupuncture, and dental treatment if these services are related to the car accident.

When it comes to coverage limits, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) does not cover all medical expenses entirely. Under Florida’s PIP statute, the insurance will only pay for 80% of each medical bill, leaving the remaining 20% as your responsibility, often referred to as a copay. Additionally, you may be required to pay a deductible.

However, if you have health insurance, you can use it to potentially reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket medical expenses. It’s important to coordinate benefits between your PIP coverage and health insurance to maximize your coverage.

It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider about the severity of your injuries. If your injury is not classified as an Emergency Medical Condition, PIP will limit the coverage to only $2,500 worth of benefits. This distinction underscores the importance of a medical professional’s assessment immediately following an accident.

If your medical expenses or lost wages exceed $10,000, or if you sustain a permanent injury, you still have the option to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver at fault. Essentially, Florida operates under a no-fault system until the financial damages from an accident surpass the limits of PIP coverage. Consult with the PIP lawyers at Dismuke Law to discuss the specifics of your case and explore your legal options.

Speak With the PIP Insurance Lawyers at Dismuke Law 

If you’re dealing with the complexities of a PIP claim after an accident, Dismuke Law is here to help. With decades of experience in personal injury law across Central Florida, we understand the challenges that can arise when dealing with insurance companies. Our commitment is to guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to while you focus on your recovery.

Whether you’re navigating a denied claim, experiencing delays, or just need help understanding your rights under Florida’s PIP laws, we are ready to work on your behalf. Don’t let the stress of an accident add to your burdens — reach out to us today for your free consultation. Call us at (863) 250-5050 or fill out our contact form.