P.I.P COLLECTION
Personal injury protection (P.I.P. Collection
¡Lucha por más!
Florida is in the minority of states that requires its drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.), also known as no-fault insurance. While the purpose is not to deny you compensation for damages, many people involved in accidents find it complicated and frustrating navigating this process. Dos Santos Law is here to help you maximize your chance at recovering full compensation for your injuries.
Typically P.I.P. gives drivers up to $10,000 in immediate medical coverage and lost wages instead of having to go to court and establish fault regarding an accident. Unfortunately, the Florida legislature has recently allowed insurance companies to cap the amount that they are required to pay at $2,500.00 in the event that you are not diagnosed with an “Emergency Medical Condition” within the first 14 days following a car crash.
Generally, you may be able to collect more than the $10,000 maximum no-fault coverage if:
The other driver was some at-fault;
Your injuries are more than the $10,000;
You suffered a serious injury (ie, significant/permanent loss of important bodily function, permanent injury, significant disfigurement/ scarring, or death).
While the purpose of P.I.P. is to make everyone responsible for covering their own injuries, regardless of fault, this is easier said than done. If you find yourself fighting with the insurance company for more compensation for your injuries, Dos Santos Law can help make sure you aren’t getting the short end of the stick.
P.I.P. Collection FAQ’s
WHAT IS PIP?
Florida automobile insurance laws require vehicle owners to have a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP provides compensation to drivers in an accident regardless of who was at fault in causing the collision. Florida’s PIP rules and regulations may also bar lawsuits in certain circumstances against the at-fault party.
A car accident attorney can help you navigate the PIP insurance process and ensure that you receive all available PIP benefits, as well as determine whether you can take legal action following a crash.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
For car accident victims, it is important to remember that PIP benefits may be provided to you only if you receive medical treatment for your injuries within two weeks of the accident. Otherwise, you might be ineligible to receive benefits under the program.
LIMITS ON NO-FAULT INSURANCE:
No-fault insurance pays benefits, after any applicable deductibles, in the amount of:
80% of medical bills, including out-of-pocket prescription costs, dental expenses, and rehabilitative services
60% of lost wages
$5,000 worth of death benefits, which are in addition to the medical and disability benefits provided under the policy
Mileage reimbursement to and from your doctor
DO I NEED AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITION:
if you do not have an “emergency medical condition,” you will not be able to receive more than $2,500 in benefits. Florida law defines emergency medical condition as an ailment that requires immediate medical attention and could reasonably be expected to result in serious jeopardy to the patient’s health.
If you have been seriously injured, $2,500 may not fully cover the cost of medical treatments. After PIP benefits have been exhausted, our Florida car accident attorneys may be able to help you seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver through a personal injury lawsuit.
With regard to emergency medical conditions, Florida law imposes the following limits on PIP insurance claims:
PIP will not cover any medical bills if you do not get treatment within 14 days of the accident.
If the initial treatment is for a medical condition diagnosed as an emergency medical condition, PIP will provide coverage only for follow-up services that are related to the diagnosed conditions.
PIP does not cover massage and acupuncture therapy.
Generally, PIP insurance benefits are overdue if they are not paid within 30 days after the insurer is furnished with written notice of the covered loss and the amount of the loss. An insurance company may have an additional 60 days to investigate the claim if the insurer has a reasonable belief that a fraudulent insurance act has been committed. Your car accident attorney will work to make sure the insurance company pays all benefits due to you in a timely fashion.
While waiting for your case to settle, your treating physician may request a letter of protection. This document is a contract that the unpaid expenses will be paid out of the settlement of your claim. Your car accident attorney should review any request for letters of protection before you sign them.
Following an accident, you should retain proof of all of your out-of-pocket expenses. For example, to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket prescription expenses, you will need to submit to the insurance provider the original receipt for the prescription as well as the prescription label that is attached to the outside of the prescription bag.
WILL IP REIMBURSE LOST WAGES?
PIP Reimbursement for Lost Wages: To receive compensation for lost wages, you must submit a wage and salary verification, which your employer completes and then submits to the insurance provider. The document shows your gross wages for the 13 weeks preceding the accident.
Your personal injury attorney may deal directly with your employer in ensuring the verification is filed with the insurance company in a timely manner. The 40% of your wages not covered by PIP may become part of your damages claim against the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
To receive PIP reimbursement for lost wages, your treating doctor may also need to complete a disability form if you will be out of work for an extended period of time.