What Is a PIP Suit in Florida?

A car accident can lead to significant financial and medical costs. A PIP suit in Florida is one avenue to pursue to receive compensation following a car accident.

A PIP suit in Florida is a claim that is filed to collect benefits from your auto insurance company. The amount of money you can recover in a PIP suit may be limited by the details of your policy.

If another party’s negligence caused your car accident injuries, you may be able to pursue additional compensation beyond a PIP suit in a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.

Requirements for Vehicle Owners

All Florida vehicle owners are required to have at least $10,000 in PIP coverage, which can cover:

• 80% of medical treatment and costs
• Up to 60% of lost wages
• Up to $5,000 of death benefits
• Reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments
• Disability benefits

Treatment Coverage

To receive reimbursement for medical costs, you must receive treatment for the injury within 14 days of the car accident. Treatment can involve:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Outpatient medical appointments
• Diagnostic tests
• Rehabilitation services
• Nursing services
• Ambulatory services

PIP Benefits

PIP benefits can cover up to 80% of medical costs, which can include:

• Co-pays
• Medical devices
• Prosthetic devices
• Dental costs

PIP benefits are paid by your insurance company. You are entitled to PIP benefits regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

To receive compensation from a PIP suit in Florida, you may have to demonstrate that your injuries and associated cost are a direct consequence of the accident. That means medical appointments may have to be related to your initial injury. Completing all recommended medical care and treatment may be necessary to document your injuries and validate your claims.

Usually, your medical providers will be the ones to file a PIP suit in Florida, as PIP insurance benefits are payable to service providers. PIP insurance benefits usually pay associated costs within 30 days. After 30 days, benefits may be considered overdue.

In some situations, your insurance company may decide to take an additional 60 days to further investigate the claim, which is why keeping records can be important. Having your medical records and associated costs may expedite your insurance provider’s PIP benefits process.

How to Receive PIP Benefits for Lost Wages

Besides medical costs, PIP benefits also offer compensation for lost work wages. This means that you may be able to receive financial reimbursement if your injury has resulted in time off from work or disability.

To request PIP lost wage benefits, you may need to have your employer complete a wage verification form. This document shows the insurance company what your earning were before the accident. If you receive PIP disability or lost wage benefits, they are issued bi-weekly.

Your employer can also verify the number of days you have missed. Although your PIP benefits cover only 60% of lost wages, you may be entitled to collect the other 40% from the other party through a personal injury claim. If the other party is at-fault, you may be able to collect 40% of your lost wages from their insurance carrier.

When you are in a car accident, you may want to call your insurance company as it is safe to do so. Each insurance company has unique requirements for filing and receiving PIP benefits. Since many insurance companies require policyholders to file a claim within a specific time frame, a timely application may be imperative.

If you have questions about what your PIP benefits cover, review your policy.

How to Recover Additional Damages

While PIP benefits can help reduce the financial harm caused by a car accident, you may experience significant costs in your car accident, especially if you sustain a serious injury. Prolonged hospitalization or extensive rehabilitation can lead to mounting medical bills that may exceed your PIP benefit threshold.

If this occurs, you may be able to pursue the driver responsible for your accident for additional compensation. If there is evidence that their negligence caused your injuries, they may be liable for your damages in a personal injury case. This could make you eligible to collect compensation in settlement negotiations with their insurance company or in a personal injury lawsuit in court.

If your personal injury case is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• You current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages or reduced earning income
• Automotive repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• And more

Do not delay if you are considering a personal injury lawsuit. Florida law imposes a statute of limitations, or legal time limit, on many of these lawsuits.

Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers May Be Able to Represent You

If you suffered injuries from a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers defends car accident victims in Florida. We may be able to help you recover compensation in your car accident case.

Call us today at (855) 529-0269 for a free consultation. We can discuss what benefits you may be able to receive for a Florida PIP suit or in a personal injury lawsuit.