What is Florida PIP Coverage?
Even extremely strong personal injury cases take time to settle. As a result, many injured victims find themselves struggling to pay medical bills and otherwise make ends meet while they wait for their settlements to come through. This can lead some to rely upon credit cards, high-interest loans and lawsuit funding lenders to bridge the gap. Fortunately under Florida law, most people have quick access to no-fault insurance that can provide limited compensation for personal injury regardless of fault while you wait for your liability case to run its course.
Every driver in Florida is required to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This extends to the vehicle owner as well as members of his or her household. PIP is no substitute for a lawsuit against an at-fault driver, especially in the case of a serious accident. However, it can help dissipate some of the early expenses that come with getting injured in an accident:
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PIP is a first-party benefit so it comes from your own insurance company, not the other driver.
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PIP is payable regardless of fault. Even an at-fault driver can receive PIP benefits.
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PIP works much like health insurance with payments being made directly to medical providers.
- PIP can ensure injured drivers receive initial medical care, even if they do not have health insurance to cover it.
The PIP no-fault system is far from perfect — but it is the system we have in Florida and injured drivers and passengers should not hesitate to utilize it when appropriate. After all, failing to seek medical treatment after an accident, even if for financial reasons, can have a severely adverse impact on a personal injury claim. A dedicated Florida auto accident attorney can help guide injured clients through every aspect of the claims process.
