The road to financial protection after a car accident in Florida begins with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, a mandatory requirement for all drivers. Interactingwith these and other insurance companies after an accident, can be difficult. Often referred to as “no-fault car insurance,” PIP coverage in Florida is designed to provide swift and efficient compensation for medical bills and lost income, regardless of who caused the collision. However, compensation is often neither swift nor efficient and almost never enough to make an accident victim whole financially.

Florida law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage per person per accident. This coverage serves as a safety net, offering financial assistance in the aftermath of a car accident, irrespective of fault. The “no-fault” nature of PIP means that your own insurance company covers your medical expenses and lost income, avoiding the need for lengthy legal battles to determine fault.

PIP insurance, covering up to 80% of medical bills and lost income, proves versatile in addressing various post-accident expenses. Covered services include prescriptions, medical diagnostics, surgical treatments, ambulance fees, lost wages, home care, pet care, and even funeral costs. However, it’s crucial to note that while PIP covers services by medical professionals, osteopathic medicine, hospitals, chiropractors, and EMS services, alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage are not covered.

Optional second-party insurance covers similar costs incurred by the victim of an accident, that would otherwise be paid for by the at-fault driver.

The Fine Print

To benefit from accident insurance coverage, services must be provided by approved medical providers. Additionally, coverage and deductibles can vary. Deductibles, ranging from $250 to $1,000, influence how much the insured pays out of pocket before PIP coverage kicks in. Opting for no deductible is a possibility, but it results in higher insurance premiums.

While accident insurance coverage is required and invaluable in reducing out-of-pocket costs, it is not designed to make an individual financially whole after a major accident. Victims often find themselves responsible for paying 20% or more of medical costs. PIP typically covers up to $10,000 of lost wages and medical expenses and rarely extends beyond $50,000. By contrast severe injuries can lead to a lifetime of ongoing expenses, lost wages, and enduring pain and suffering often worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies have been known to use tactics such as lowballing settlement amounts, delaying communications and payments, or simply denying claims all together. When these tactics are used, the insurance companies are resting their strategy on the hopes that accident victims do not seek legal advice. Of course, insurance companies all have lawyers who carefully word their communications and advise on every step. As an accident victim, it is important to realize that getting legal representation levels the playing field and makes it difficult for insurance companies to take advantage of you.

“Insurance companies have been known to use tactics such as lowballing settlement amounts, delaying communications and payments, or simply denying claims all together.”

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help to make you whole financially after an accident. Insurance companies focus on settlements within the confines of policy limits. However, courts can go further, considering factors like pain and suffering, which insurance companies may not readily acknowledge. An experienced personal injury attorney understands the nuances of the legal system, presenting a compelling case that goes beyond insurance company settlement offers.

A seasoned attorney recognizes that accident victims endure not only medical bills but also home care expenses and loss of income. Courts can take these comprehensive aspects into account when determining compensation. Personal injury attorneys work to present a thorough case that encompasses the full scope of a victim’s losses.

Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly and may not offer the full compensation victims deserve. An experienced Florida personal injury attorney becomes an advocate for victims, challenging insurance companies to ensure fair treatment. By presenting a solid case and leveraging their knowledge of the legal landscape, attorneys can push for compensation that aligns with the true extent of the damages suffered.

Personal injury cases involve intricate legal processes, and an experienced attorney is well-versed in working through these complexities. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing clients in court, these professionals provide invaluable guidance, ensuring every aspect of the case is handled with expertise.

Severe injuries often lead to long-term consequences, including ongoing medical expenses and continued loss of income. A personal injury attorney considers the full trajectory of these impacts, building a case that addresses not only immediate needs but also future financial burdens.

South Florida Law

If you are injured in a car accident, a slip and fall or trip and fall accident, or as a result of an attack, the attorneys of South Florida Law can evaluate your case quickly and, if we bring on your case, seek a just award that may compensate you for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and loss of income.

Another benefit of working with South Florida law is that we use a contingency fee, which means that you pay us nothing unless we win your case for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling (954) 900-8885 or via our contact form.