Did you get hurt in a Florida car accident? If so, you might be wondering what happens if you exhaust your PIP benefits. A car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and determine if you qualify for additional compensation. Here’s what you need to know about how PIP benefits work in Florida and how you can obtain coverage beyond what PIP provides.
What Is PIP (Personal Injury Protection)?
Personal injury protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault car insurance coverage. All Florida drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. PIP covers your medical expenses and lost wages if you are in an accident, no matter who caused it. It also pays for certain expenses for passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists involved in the accident. Florida PIP insurance typically covers up to 80 percent of your medical bills and 60 percent of your lost wages. PIP also provides death benefits in the event of a fatal crash.
How PIP Benefits Work
Personal injury protection insurance in Florida helps you cover your immediate needs after a car accident. PIP benefits apply regardless of who caused the accident, so you don’t have to wait for the insurance company to determine fault before you get the financial help you need. After the accident, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP coverage. Your own insurance company will pay your medical bills directly, which can reduce or eliminate the amount you owe out of pocket.
Consequences of Exhausting PIP Benefits
You still have options if you exhaust your personal injury protection benefits but still need treatment. For example, you could use medical payments (MedPay) insurance, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, or even health insurance to cover medical costs. You could also file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain legal thresholds, such as permanent injury, significant scarring, or disfigurement. A car accident lawyer can help you identify all potential sources of compensation to maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs after a Florida car crash.
Steps to Take When PIP Benefits Are Exhausted
Here are some steps you can take to continue managing your medical bills if you exhaust your personal injury protection in Florida:
- Check to see if you have additional insurance, such as health insurance or MedPay.
- Notify your provider about the accident and submit any outstanding medical bills for coverage.
- If your injuries meet Florida’s legal threshold for severity, consider filing an insurance claim or personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and bills to support any insurance claims.
- Consult a lawyer to explore additional options for covering your bills beyond PIP benefits.
Contact Our Pensacola Personal Injury Attorney to Learn More
If you need help after a Florida car accident and have questions about your PIP benefits, contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is here to help you assert your rights and demand the full coverage you deserve for your crash-related medical expenses.
