When you’re involved in a car accident in Florida, one of the first things you’ll hear about is your PIP coverage—also known as Personal Injury Protection. While this coverage is required for every driver in Florida, many people aren’t entirely sure what it does, how much it covers, or when they may still need to file a claim with the help of an attorney.
At Merricks Law Group, our experienced Tampa auto accident lawyers have helped countless clients navigate the complexities of Florida’s auto insurance laws. Below, we’ll break down what PIP covers, how it fits into your claim, and when it’s time to call a lawyer for help.
What Is PIP Coverage?
Florida is a “no-fault” state, which means that after an auto accident, your own insurance company pays for your medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who was at fault. This is made possible through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is a mandatory part of every Florida driver’s auto insurance policy.
By law, every driver must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. This coverage helps ensure that anyone injured in a car accident can get prompt medical care, without waiting for a liability claim to be resolved.
What Does PIP Cover in Florida?
Your PIP insurance covers a portion of your accident-related expenses, including:
- Medical expenses: PIP covers 80% of necessary and reasonable medical costs, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: PIP pays 60% of lost income if you’re unable to work due to your injuries.
- Death benefits: In the tragic event of a fatal accident, PIP provides up to $5,000 in death benefits to the policyholder’s family.
Keep in mind that PIP has limits, and once those limits are reached, you may need to explore other options to recover the full cost of your damages.
The Limitations of PIP Coverage
While PIP helps ensure quick access to care, it does not cover everything. For instance:
- You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident for PIP to apply.
- PIP does not compensate for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
- Serious injuries that exceed PIP’s $10,000 limit often require filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
That’s where a skilled Florida car accident attorney can step in to help you pursue additional compensation beyond what PIP covers.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Even though Florida is a no-fault state, not every case is straightforward. You may need to work with a Tampa auto accident lawyer if:
- Your injuries are severe and medical bills exceed PIP coverage.
- The insurance company delays or denies payment for your treatment.
- You need to recover non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, or emotional distress.
- There’s a dispute about who was at fault or what caused the accident.
At Merricks Law Group, we have decades of experience helping clients in Tampa and throughout Florida recover the full compensation they deserve after car accidents.
Contact Our Tampa Auto Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident and are unsure how to handle your PIP coverage or what steps to take next, the legal team at Merricks Law Group is here to help. We’ll review your policy, assess your damages, and guide you through the entire claims process so you can focus on recovery.
Reach out today to contact our team and schedule a consultation with an experienced Tampa auto accident lawyer. We’re ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About PIP Coverage in Florida
- Do I need PIP coverage if I already have health insurance?
Yes. Even if you have health insurance, Florida law requires every driver to carry PIP coverage. In fact, your PIP benefits typically pay first after an accident, and your health insurance may cover the remaining costs afterward. - Can I use my PIP coverage if I wasn’t driving?
In most cases, yes. PIP coverage may extend to you if you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist, as long as you have your own Florida auto insurance policy. - What if my medical bills exceed my PIP limits?
If your accident-related expenses exceed $10,000, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages such as ongoing medical care, lost earning capacity, or pain and suffering. - How long do I have to file a claim after an accident?
You must seek medical care within 14 days for PIP benefits to apply. However, for personal injury lawsuits, Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.