If you’re filing a personal injury claim after an accident, you will want to familiarize yourself with the Florida PIP Statute. 
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a form of no-fault insurance cover that pays hospital expenses and lost income after an accident.
Gaining knowledge of personal injury protection claims and PIP laws in Florida is essential. That’s because PIP is the main form of insurance coverage for those who drive motor vehicles.
What Does The Florida PIP Statute Cover?
As a policyholder, Personal Injury Protection pays for any injuries you sustain in an auto accident.
That applies regardless of whether you’re a driver or passenger in your vehicle or somebody else’s.
Additionally, family members who stay with you may be eligible for benefits under your PIP policy. Also, others who are hurt while driving or riding in your car with your permission may qualify for the benefits too.
If your family member or friend possesses their own PIP policy, then their own insurer pays for any injuries.
That’s the case even if they’re driving or riding in your vehicle.
Some drivers do not need to have PIP insurance for themselves or the passengers in certain types of vehicles such as:
- School buses. Any children who sustain injuries will receive protection under their parents’ insurance coverage
- Limousines
- Taxis
- Motorcycles and any other modes of transport with less than four wheels
- Mobile homes and inoperable vehicles
What Financial Limitations Apply Under the Florida PIP Statute
In Florida, PIP is mandatory. The minimum amount of coverage you must carry differs from one state to another, but in Florida, you ought to have:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection
- $10,000 in property damage liability, which pays for the property damage in a car accident
Each time you experience a serious auto accident your car insurance will cover losses up to your limit of at least $10,000 for:
- Medical care
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages
- Funeral costs if death happens
As the year moves on, you might be in another car collision. While it might be confusing, your PIP coverage will restart.
You will receive an additional $10,000 worth of coverage for that auto accident because it’s a totally new and separate claim.
However, certain limitations apply to PIP insurance coverage, such as:
- If a doctor declares an injury a “non-emergency”, your PIP coverage for healthcare costs will reduce to a limit of $2,500. If you have a solid medical insurance policy, it ought to take care of the remaining expenses. But, be sure to confirm whether it covers auto accident injuries
- PIP does not cover specific treatment options like acupuncture and massage therapy
What Benefits Does the Florida PIP Statute Offer?
If you are hurt in an auto accident, even if you are at fault, you’ll likely require medical assistance. PIP covers a maximum of 80% of your hospital bills or expenses if you require special medical treatment. That includes:
- Medical, surgical, dental, rehabilitation or X-ray services
- Neck braces
- Prosthetic equipment
- Wheelchair
- Crutches
- Slings
- Splints
Note that you have 35 days to hand in your medical treatment documentation and bills to your health insurance provider.
Furthermore, you have a maximum of 14 days to seek medical intervention after an accident. Your insurer can deny your claim if you fail to meet those deadlines.
If a driver with a PIP policy dies in an accident, their estate has a right to $5,000 in death benefits.
Additionally, if an accident leaves you with disabling injuries, PIP pays for 60% of lost income. But, it’s subject to a limit of $10,000.
That payment is also inclusive of activities you would normally perform, but now can’t because of the accident.
Such activities include day-to-day chores like cleaning the house or doing laundry.
Problems with Multiple Personal Injury Cases
Getting into multiple auto accidents in a year does come with some problems.
E.g., after a severe accident, your physician may review your PIP benefits and still see the need to utilize your medical insurance.
If you have another auto accident in the same year, it may adversely impact the first crash.
One reason is that you may require some of the benefits from the initial accident for the second incident.
Moreover, your personal injuries from the first auto collision might have become worse because of the second accident.
It might be hard for medical practitioners to determine the original cause of the injuries.
Therefore, it’s vital to collaborate with your physicians and car accident lawyer immediately after another auto accident.
Some of the issues arising from multiple personal injury claims are avoidable if you notify your doctors and attorney right away.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Receive PIP Benefits?
The whole purpose of Personal Injury Protection is to guard you against future medical expenses and worry of lost income after an accident.
However, sometimes your insurance provider may refute your claim or fail to pay the full benefits you deserve.
If that’s the case, you should consult an attorney who’s knowledgeable of the Florida PIP statute.
The lawyer will work with you to pursue the complete benefits you are eligible for from your insurer.
