Everyone with a driver's license should be fully aware that Florida law1 requires drivers to carry at least a minimal amount of Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP). In the event of an accident, this type of insurance will help cover your injury-related losses - whether or not you were at fault in the accident. However, many people come to us with the question: just how much will my PIP insurance cover after a crash? The answer to this question depends on the policy limit for your PIP that you purchased.
Minimum Required PIP Insurance
Florida requires drivers to carry an active PIP policy of at least $10,000. A large number of people automatically select the minimum amount of coverage for a couple of reasons:
- They want lower premiums
- They do not believe that a serious car accident will happen to them
You should carefully consider this possibility when you are purchasing your PIP insurance. In many situations, it is worth it to pay a little extra in premiums every month to know you have a greater amount of protection should an accident and serious injuries happen to you.
Your Options if Your Max Out Your Policy
If your losses exceed your PIP policy and you were at fault for the accident, you do not have very many options to seek additional compensation unless you have medical payments coverage, as well. On the other hand, if another party was negligent and caused your accident, you may have the right to file a claim against them in civil court for personal injury. You can seek compensation for the following losses in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Medical expenses that exceed your PIP policy
- Lost wages - past and future
- Pain and suffering
In order to prevail in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that the other party was negligent in some way. Some common examples of negligence in car accident cases include drunk driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, traffic violations, speeding, and similar dangerous behaviors on the road. You must also prove the damages you seek and an experienced attorney can help you calculate the full amount that you deserve from the negligent party.
An Experienced Clearwater, Florida PIP Insurance Attorney can Help You
Florida's no-fault insurance system can be confusing and you want to ensure that you and your family are fully covered and that your rights are protected in the event of an accident. If you have been injured, call to discuss your legal rights with an auto accident lawyer at the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA in Clearwater today. Contact us online or at 727-222-6922.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 1663 1st Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712 (727) 472-3909