What’s Covered if You Are Injured in an Auto Accident?
December 7, 2023
When an auto accident happens in the Sunshine State, drivers must file a claim with their own insurance carrier.
Since Florida is a No-Fault Insurance state, resident drivers are required to carry PIP insurance for personal injury protection.
PIP insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit regardless of who is deemed to be at-fault for the collision.
Following a traumatic event, your body has taken the brunt force of the crash, and just like the vehicles involved, may need immediate attention. The unexpected jolt of a car crash can cause your head to snap forward and backward beyond its usual range. In addition to fractures, a collision can tear muscles and ligaments that also lead to lingering pain, soreness, joint instability, and nerve damage.
What is the 14-day rule for car crashes?
In you are injured during an auto accident in the Sunshine State, you have fourteen (14) days from the date of the incident to seek medical attention for your injuries. If you fail to do so in the allotted time, you will not be entitled to file a claim for PIP benefits. The PIP time constraint applies to any injured victim in a car crash. Personal injury claims can be brought against the at-fault party after the 14-day time limit but only for serious injuries, such as loss of mobility.
What Does PIP Insurance Pay for Injuries?
Based on Florida No-Fault Insurance, the personal injury protection or PIP portion covers 80% of medical expenses related to a car crash and this can include the cost ambulance rides, hospital bills, dental work, doctor visits and therapy. In addition, PIP covers 60% of lost income or earning capacity up to its $10,000 limit. As mentioned above, initial medical care must be received withing fourteen (14) days of when the auto accident occurred.
In addition to medical expenses for your injuries, PIP insurance covers family members driving your car and may cover passengers who sustained injuries that will require a significant time to heal. Regardless of who was at fault for an accident, PIP insurance can cover injuries up to the $10,000 maximum. Moreover, Personal Injury Protection covers policyholders, their passengers as well as named family members regardless of whether they have their own health insurance or not.
If a vehicular accident causes someone more damage or injuries than the limits of your PIP insurance coverage, you may have a right to sue for more serious damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Although there is no cap on the amount of damages that can be sought for pain and suffering, it is only allowed under very specific circumstances. If you are at fault, bodily injury liability is a separate insurance that pays for medical bills for injured victims – not including yourself.
What Additional Auto Insurance Do You Need?
Although Florida drivers are required to have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage, it is a good idea to have more coverage than the minimum amounts required by state statutes. PIP insurance policies are actually low limits and most people have financial assets that they need to protect in case of a lawsuit for additional damages. Listed below are some extended coverages that can benefit Florida drivers:
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage – If you are found at-fault for a car accident in the Sunshine State, bodily injury liability coverage pays for the medical expenses of other people who were injured in the crash. It also helps cover payment for legal defense in the event you are sued.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage – This optional car insurance protects against damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events. For example, glass and windshield damage, vandalism, accidents with animals, and acts of nature considered to be out of your control.
Collision Insurance Coverage – Collision coverage is often required by the lender if you are financing or leasing your car in Florida. If you hit another car or a stationary object or roll over, collision insurance helps pay for damages to your vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Another optional auto insurance coverage that comes highly recommended is uninsured motorist coverage. Unfortunately, one in five (20%) drivers on Florida roadways are either uninsured or severely underinsured.
If you have substantial assets that need to be protected, experts suggest that you purchase Bodily Injury Liability coverage in the amount of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. Opting for a higher deductible like $1,000 can lower your cost of Comprehensive and Collision insurance. All licensed Florida insurance carriers are required by law to provide stacked Uninsured Motorist insurance with minimum coverage of $10,000 per person unless you decline in writing.
If you're still not convinced that auto insurance is essential, consider this. Driving without insurance is illegal in Florida and can result in license suspension, financial penalties and/or jail time. Moreover, if you don't have enough insurance to pay for the damages you caused in an accident, you could be sued and forced to pay out of pocket. Contact Nsurance Nation to find out what discounts our insurers offer and how to get the best deal for your needs.
