Florida Statute § 627.736 mandates that you may seek up to 80% of medical bills, and up to 60% towards loss of earnings under your personal insurance protection (PIP) coverage. Reimbursement for medical and disability benefits is $10,000, while in the event of a fatality, PIP will cover up to $5,000 toward those related costs.
Typical expenses a PIP policy will insure against includes:
- Hospital stays
- Operations
- Lost wages
- Funeral expenses
Florida is a “no-fault” state. This means that regardless of who caused a car crash, they must file their claim with their own insurance company first before seeking additional damages. If you were injured as a pedestrian or cyclist in a car accident, you can also receive the benefits of PIP insurance.
PIP is Designed to Pay for Certain Losses
PIP insurance is used to cover relatively minor accidents to provide immediate medical coverage of up to $10,000 without having to establish fault through the court system.
When expenses exceed this limit, the injured party may then go on to recover damages from the responsible driver. However, first, you must utilize all the benefits afforded by your PIP provider before pursuing other avenues of compensation.
Another key PIP insurance element in Florida is the time you have to seek medical treatment. Florida Statute 627.736 notes that if medical treatment is not received within 14 days of the accident, PIP will not cover any of these related expenses. You should always see a medical provider as soon as possible to have your injuries treated and documented.
Recovering Costs Incurred Beyond the PIP Limits in Florida
If you are seriously injured in an auto accident, medical costs can exponentially increase. It is important to know your options when you have exhausted all the benefits offered under your PIP provider.
A lawyer can be a valuable ally when attempting to navigate the complex processes involved in such cases.
Additionally, they may pursue awards for injury and loss not offered within the scope of PIP insurance such as:
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Ongoing medical and rehabilitation bills
- Reduced future earning capacity
Exhausting your PIP coverage does not mean that you may no longer be treated for your injuries. If you have health insurance, you will be covered under your policy for ongoing medical bills, but you may have to pay out of your own pocket initially for these expenses. It is good practice to seek advice from a legal professional before moving forward with seeking damages from the at-fault party.
If you have questions about Florida PIP limits or concerns about recovering benefits from your PIP policy after a car accident, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. For a free consultation, call us today at 1-800-747-3733.
