Because Estero is located in a “no-fault” insurance state, personal injury protection insurance is important. Boca Raton personal injury protection claims—or PIP—policies can be made after a motor vehicle accident, no matter who was at fault in the crash. Unfortunately, this coverage will not always satisfy all the damages stemming from a car accident.
If you were hurt in an accident, filing a claim with your PIP insurance carrier could be part of our path towards fair recovery. Before you file a claim on your own, it is helpful to talk to your attorney about all of your legal options. Let our Estero personal injury protection (PIP) lawyers help you pursue the benefits you need.
Why Is PIP Coverage Necessary?
PIP coverage is an important part of the passenger vehicle transportation system in Florida. In a no-fault state, every driver is required to carry insurance that will cover their damages following an accident—regardless of fault. When accidents happen, your own carrier will pay for things like your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit.
PIP coverage is not limited to policyholders or a driver of an insured vehicle. Instead, these policies cover every person in the vehicle. This coverage even extends beyond your own vehicle, as you could be covered if you are injured in a pedestrian accident or riding in someone else’s vehicle. PIP is intended to supplement a driver’s health insurance coverage when their injuries result from a motor vehicle accident.
How Is PIP Different from Liability Insurance?
There are numerous differences between PIP and liability insurance. While state law requires drivers to carry both, they serve very different purposes. PIP is a type of no-fault insurance, while liability coverage is not. That means you would rely on your own PIP coverage any time you are injured in a collision, which is not the case with liability coverage. You would only file a liability claim in situations where the other driver was at fault. These claims are filed against the at-fault party’s policy, not your own.
Another important difference between PIP and liability insurance is the presence of a deductible. The Insurance Information Institute affirms that when you file a liability claim, you are under no obligation to pay a deductible as part of the process. The same is not true for PIP claims, which generally charge a deductible.
What does PIP Insurance Cover?
One of the reasons many drivers would prefer to avoid the no-fault insurance system and file a lawsuit against the responsible party is that compensation through PIP claims can be lacking. Compared to a personal injury lawsuit, there are several types of damages that are not available. What’s more, your PIP carrier might not pay the full amount of your Estero car accident damages.
Medical Costs
PIP coverage can prevent you from facing the possibility of paying for all of your care out of pocket. Your medical bills could include the cost of emergency treatment, ambulance rides, prescription pain medication, or hospitalization, among other things.
The downside that comes with paying for your medical expenses through PIP is that you are likely to pay for some of your treatments on your own. In addition to your deductible, your insurance company will only pay for 80 percent of your medical expenses up to the limits on your policy.
Disability Expenses
There could be other costs related to your injury outside of medical bills. Many people require specialized care while they recover. The cost of in-home rehabilitation could be covered by PIP insurance. The same is true for other in-home services that become necessary due to a person’s disabling injury. Your insurance coverage could also pay for travel costs related to seeing your provider.
Lost Wages
If your injury prevents you from working, you could suddenly miss out on your primary source of income. If you are injured for a long period, it could impact your budget for weeks, months, or longer. Thankfully, your lost wages could be covered through a PIP insurance claim.
Just like with your medical bills, you also face significant limitations on your recovery for your lost wages. This coverage is reduced even more than what you recover for your medical bills. You are only entitled to 60 percent of your lost wages through a PIP insurance claim.
Filing a Lawsuit Outside of the No-Fault System
You could pursue a lawsuit against the party that injured you—even if PIP coverage applies. In many cases, the coverage provided through PIP is inadequate. If your damages exceed the amount of coverage available through your PIP insurance, the law might allow you to pursue a negligence lawsuit against the other driver.
To qualify to file a lawsuit, you must have suffered a permanent injury. A permanent injury includes injuries that permanently and significantly cause you loss of function in an important body party. Alternatively, it can also include permanent injury or severe disfigurement. Your attorney could advise you on whether your injuries qualify as permanent under the law.
Talk To Our Legal Professionals About Your PIP Claim
Depending on your point of view, PIP coverage could be a blessing or an annoyance. While immediate coverage for your injuries is always welcome, there are times when PIP insurance falls short. If your injuries are significant, you could expect to pay for some of your medical bills on your own.
The team at GED Lawyers could help you navigate the PIP insurance system. What’s more, our attorneys could review your case and advise you if a personal injury lawsuit might be an option. Let a personal injury protection (PIP) lawyer help you pursue your Estero claim. Call for a free consultation to talk about your PIP insurance coverage today.
