Florida requires that all drivers in the state have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or “no-fault” insurance. This type of insurance will cover a certain amount of the costs covering injuries, lost wages, and death benefits in the event of a car accident. However, there are limitations to what PIP can cover.
If you’ve been involved in a car wreck, consult with a PIP lawyer who can guide you through a claim and make sure you get the money you need. Understanding personal injury protection in Fort Lauderdale car accidents can be challenging, but you maximize your chances of collecting substantial compensation when you work with our team.
Call attorney David I. Fuchs to schedule a consultation.
Personal Injury Protection: Mandated by State Law
PIP helps local drivers recover money for medical costs, lost wages, and wrongful death. However, PIP claims can be complex. A dedicated lawyer in Fort Lauderdale like David Fuchs can help you understand everything you need to know about personal injury protection.
What Is PIP Insurance?
You might wonder if you need PIP insurance. If you are a Florida driver, the answer is yes. Florida motor vehicle law requires all drivers to have PIP insurance to cover initial expenses they may incur after a crash.
PIP insurance covers certain costs like medical bills, wage loss, and death benefits up to a certain extent. For example, it will cover 60% of your lost wages, up to $10,000. Additionally, 80% of your medical costs will be covered by PIP. It will pay for funeral and burial expenses if a person dies in a car accident.
PIP will cover your damages no matter who is at fault. It is called “no-fault” insurance. PIP also covers the same losses for children and other family members in the car at the time of the crash. It is vital to remember that you must seek medical attention within 14 days of the crash to qualify for PIP money.
Fort Lauderdale PIP and Economic Benefits
In addition to bills associated with hospitalization, doctors, and other medical costs, PIP also offers some economic benefits. Personal injury protection will cover some home care expenses, including childcare, pet care, house cleaning, home modifications, and other needs if you cannot fulfill those duties yourself.
Types of Crashes PIP Covers
PIP will cover any motor vehicle accident where medical bills, lost wages, and death benefits are needed, including:
- Car vs. Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Texting While Driving Accidents
- Sideswipes or T-Bone Accidents
- Head-On Crashes
- Rear-End Accidents
- Failure to Yield Accidents
Other Types of Required Insurance
State insurance law also requires drivers to have Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance along with PIP. You must have a minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage as a standard passenger motor vehicle.
Suppose your car is registered as a taxi service, which is common with some ride-sharing services. In that case, you are also required to have Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) in the amount of $125,000 per person, $250,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 in PDL insurance coverage.
PIP Claims Process
A PIP claim may only be used to cover your own damages up to a certain amount. Its use is limited to specific needs, and it only covers a percentage of those losses. The claims process to obtain PIP coverage is similar to any other car accident claim.
Steps to take to get money from your PIP policy include:
- Get medical treatment immediately after a crash.
- Report your car accident to your PIP insurance company as soon as possible after the crash.
- Keep track of all medical costs, lost wages, and household expenses due to your injuries.
- Contact a PIP attorney who can file your claim via phone or online.
- Continue to get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
- Determine the value of your claim and make a demand to the insurance company.
- Negotiate a settlement amount with the insurance company or accept 100% of your policy value.
Attorney Fuchs can help Fort Lauderdale residents navigate any of these stages and preserve their right to substantial compensation.
Things to Remember with a PIP Insurance Claim
PIP insurance can help you start getting money faster after a crash. The insurance company is typically willing to pay out through that policy quickly compared to other liability insurance policies. However, there are some things you need to remember about insurance claims so you get the maximum amount you deserve:
- Don’t give the insurance company a statement until you get legal help.
- Litigation through a personal injury claim may be necessary to obtain additional damages from the at-fault driver.
- PIP does not cover pain and suffering, but a personal injury claim or liability claim will include it.
- You can get the maximum amount of your PIP policy value if you have damages that equal that amount.
- Keep track of all medical costs and lost wages, so you have proof of how much your claim is worth.
Speak With Us about Personal Injury Protection in Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents
PIP claims require knowledge of nuanced state laws. The insurance company may try to deny or delay you claim in an attempt to pay as little as possible. By working with an experienced PIP attorney, you can get maximum compensation.
Attorney David I. Fuchs has worked with countless victims of car accidents. He has dedicated his law practice to helping people who have been injured, and he can help you understand personal injury protection in Fort Lauderdale car accidents. Reach out to us today to get started on your case.
