If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, you may have heard about Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance – but what does it actually cover, and how does it impact your ability to recover compensation for injuries?
At Brijbag Law, we understand that navigating Florida’s no-fault insurance system can be confusing, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. As a trusted Spring Hill car accident attorney, we’re here to break down how PIP insurance works, what it covers, and how to protect your rights after an accident.
What Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that if you’re injured in a car accident, you must first seek coverage through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who caused the crash. This system was designed to help injured drivers and passengers get faster access to medical care without the need for lengthy legal battles over fault.
Under Florida law (F.S. 627.736), every driver must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage as part of their auto insurance policy.
What Does PIP Cover in Florida?
1. Medical Expenses
PIP covers 80% of necessary medical expenses, up to $10,000, including:
✔ Emergency room visits
✔ Hospital bills
✔ Surgery costs
✔ Rehabilitation and therapy
✔ Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
✔ Prescription medications
⚠ Important: To qualify for full PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. If you wait longer, your insurance provider may deny your claim.
2. Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, PIP covers 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000. This includes:
✔ Salary or hourly wages
✔ Income from self-employment
✔ Other lost earnings
3. Death Benefits
If a car accident results in a fatality, PIP provides up to $5,000 in death benefits to the deceased’s family to help cover funeral and burial expenses.
What PIP Does NOT Cover
PIP insurance has limitations. It does not cover:
🚫 Property damage (this is covered under a separate Property Damage Liability (PDL) policy)
🚫 Pain and suffering (non-economic damages)
🚫 100% of medical expenses or lost wages (it only covers 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost income)
🚫 Injuries exceeding $10,000 unless they meet the serious injury threshold
If your medical expenses and damages exceed your PIP limits, or if you suffer a serious injury, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
What Is the “Serious Injury Threshold” in Florida?
Florida law allows accident victims to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit if they suffer a serious injury. A “serious injury” is defined as:
✔ Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
✔ Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
✔ Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
✔ Death
If your injuries meet this threshold, you may be entitled to additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term disability.
What If the Other Driver Is at Fault?
Even though PIP is your primary coverage, you may be able to recover additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance if:
- Your damages exceed $10,000
- You meet the serious injury threshold
- The at-fault driver was negligent (e.g., reckless driving, drunk driving, distracted driving)
This is where having an experienced Spring Hill car accident attorney can make all the difference. Brijbag Law will fight to ensure you get the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
Common Issues With PIP Claims
Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to minimize or deny PIP claims. Common issues include:
❌ Delaying payments – Insurers may stall processing your claim, causing financial stress.
❌ Denying claims – If they believe your injuries aren’t severe or that treatment wasn’t “medically necessary,” they might refuse to pay.
❌ Underpaying benefits – Insurers often try to pay less than the full 80% of medical bills or 60% of lost wages.
Brijbag Law knows how to take on the insurance companies and hold them accountable. If your PIP claim was unfairly denied or underpaid, we can help you fight for the benefits you’re entitled to.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Florida
To protect your PIP benefits and any potential personal injury claim, follow these steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, injuries can develop over time. Remember: You must get medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.
2. Report the Accident
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. However, avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
3. Document Everything
✔ Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
✔ Get contact information from witnesses
✔ Keep copies of medical bills, doctor’s reports, and pay stubs for lost wages
4. Contact an Experienced Spring Hill Car Accident Attorney
Navigating a PIP claim and potential lawsuit can be challenging. Brijbag Law is here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you maximize your compensation.
Why Choose Brijbag Law?
At Brijbag Law, we are dedicated to helping Florida accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We offer:
✔ Free Consultations – We review your case at no cost.
✔ No-Win, No-Fee Guarantee – You don’t pay unless we win.
✔ Aggressive Representation – We fight back against insurance companies that try to deny or minimize claims.
✔ Deep Local Expertise – As Spring Hill’s trusted personal injury attorney, we understand Florida’s PIP laws and how to use them to your advantage.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call Brijbag Law Today!
If you’ve been in a car accident in Spring Hill and need help navigating PIP insurance or filing a claim against the at-fault driver, we’re here for you.
📞 Call us at (352) 358-5880 for a free consultation, or visit www.brijbaglaw.com to learn more.
Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you—let us fight for your rights!
