When Car Accident Costs Go Beyond PIP Coverage
A cornerstone of the state’s no-fault car insurance system, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is designed to provide fast access to medical care and lost wages after an accident. PIP covers you regardless of who caused the crash.
Yet for many injured drivers and passengers, PIP is only the beginning, and not nearly enough to cover the full cost of recovery. If this is true for you, an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney can help you identify every available recovery source.
Why PIP Isn’t Always Enough
Florida adopted PIP coverage in the early 1970s as part of its no-fault insurance laws. The goal was to reduce the burden on the court system and ensure that injured people could access medical treatment quickly without waiting for fault to be determined. Under current law, all drivers must carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.
While PIP is useful for immediate needs, it has clear limits. In most cases, PIP only covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, subject to the policy limits and a deductible up to $1,000.00. When it comes to medical care, $10,000 can be spent quickly. After a serious accident, you could exhaust your PIP benefits after just a single ER visit or surgery.
For instance, a back injury requiring hospitalization could easily result in $30,000 or more in medical bills, leaving you responsible for the expenses unless you pursue additional compensation.
Paths to financial relief beyond PIP include the following:
- Filing a claim against the at-fault driver. If your injuries and monetary damages are significant, you can bring a claim against the driver who caused the crash.
- Using your own health insurance. Once your PIP benefits are exhausted, your health insurance may help cover additional medical costs. However, you may still face deductibles, co-pays, and coverage limitations. Florida law also requires you to reimburse health insurance for any medical benefits they pay related to the injuries you suffered in this accident if you are successful in achieving a monetary recovery in your injury claim.
- UM/UIM coverage. Should the at-fault driver have no insurance or not enough coverage, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist UM/UIM benefits on your own policy can help fill the gap. This coverage is optional in Florida, but it can be invaluable after a serious crash.
- Third-party claims. Sometimes another party, such as a vehicle manufacturer (for a defective part) or a government entity (for poor road maintenance), may be partially responsible for your injuries. In these cases, you can pursue additional claims to recover your losses.
Navigating the shift from PIP benefits to additional claims can be complex. Strict deadlines, evidence requirements, and insurance company tactics all affect your chances of securing fair compensation.
PIP Could Only Be the Starting Point
In some situations, PIP funds are a starting point not the finish line. Then, you need to understand your options and act quickly. Share where you are today and your long-term expenses with an Orlando personal injury attorney. Lawyers have the background and knowledge you need.
Are you surprised by your recovery expenses? Car accidents often result in high medical bills, but the attorneys at Israoui Law know how to access all sources of financial relief. For the personal attention you deserve, call 407-381-4529. Alway speak to an experienced accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance company.
