To own and operate a car in Florida, you’re required to have two essential things: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurances. It’s a headache keeping track of all the documents and payments, but if there’s an accident, you’ll be glad you have them. After a crash, there are so many things to keep track of, it’s hard to know where to start when there are other drivers and insurance companies to communicate with–but don’t sleep on your own PIP insurance even if you’re not at fault in these situations. In fact, filing a PIP claim should be in your top three priorities after an accident.
What Is PIP Insurance?
PIP insurance is a mandatory type of coverage for all Florida drivers. This insurance provides essential benefits, including medical expense coverage, lost wages, and other related expenses, irrespective of fault in an accident. All registered drivers need to have at least $10,000 in coverage, but you may want to increase the coverage if you don’t have health insurance, or live paycheck to paycheck. It seems backwards to pay more to “get” more, but no one expects to get into a catastrophic accident when they get up in the morning, so having your bases covered is extremely helpful.
Benefits of PIP Insurance
PIP insurance offers several benefits to injured drivers and passengers:
Medical Expenses: PIP covers medical expenses resulting from the accident, encompassing doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
Lost Wages: If the accident leads to lost income due to injury, PIP can compensate for the wages you would have earned.
Funeral Expenses: In unfortunate cases, PIP can assist in covering funeral expenses.
Other Accident-Related Costs: PIP may also help with expenses like transportation and childcare.
Filing a PIP Claim
To initiate a PIP claim, contact your insurance provider. You’ll need to provide them with essential accident details, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the names and contact information of other involved parties. Additionally, you may be required to submit copies of medical bills and supporting documents.
Combining PIP Benefits and Personal Injury Lawsuits
We hear about it a lot, but it’s important for everyone to know that receiving PIP benefits don’t replace the option to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, you can pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. After an injury, you need your money as soon as possible, and the PIP claim can tide you over as you and your attorney plan the next moves.
At Ashley M. Armstrong, PLLC, we want you to know that we have your back and are prepared to fight for the highest possible compensation. Our goal is to provide the essential legal support our community needs every step of the way. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us today by calling (850) 977-3229 to schedule a consultation and secure the assistance you require after an accident. Your well-being and peace of mind matter to us.
The Law Office of Attorney Ashley M. Armstrong, PLLC
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