Florida is a “no-fault” state when it comes to automobile accidents. This means that if you’ve been injured in a car accident, you generally can’t sue the other driver, even if they were at fault. Instead, you file a claim with your insurance carrier, using a benefit known as Personal Injury Protection, or PIP.

By law, drivers are required to have $10,000 in PIP coverage through their insurance carrier. This benefit does not fully cover the cost of an accident, however. If a driver is injured in an accident and has full PIP coverage, the insurance carrier will pay 60% of their lost wages and 80% of their medical bills, up to $10,000.

This out-of-pocket cost is significant for many drivers.  Some insurance carriers offer partial PIP coverage that only covers medical expenses, not lost wages, and this type of coverage is still compliant with Florida state law. Even for drivers with full coverage, a hospital visit can quickly exceed $10,000. If the driver’s insurance policy has a deductible, then PIP benefits will kick in after the deductible is met.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may find these numbers discouraging. Hospital stays are expensive, and if you’ve also been missing work, PIP may seem like pocket change. If the other driver was clearly negligent, you may feel like a crime was committed and the perpetrator got away scot-free.

When to get a lawyer

Not all accidents are the same, and in Florida, exceptions are sometimes made when a person’s injuries are especially severe. If you or someone you know suffered damage to vital organs, became disabled, or died as the result of a negligent driver, then a lawsuit may still be possible. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your options.

Katherine can help you!

An experienced personal injury attorney like Katherine can advocate for you, strengthen your claim, and maximize your compensation package. If a lawsuit is what it takes to get what you deserve, she will represent you in court.

Contact us today!

Questions about Personal Injury Protection or another legal issue? Contact our offices by phone, email, or text message for a free consultation!