In the state of Florida, all drivers that own and operate a motor vehicle are required to have car insurance including Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability coverage. PIP is a type of insurance that helps pay a portion of medical expenses—up to $10,000—in the event of an accident. Property damage liability coverage pays for the damages caused to another person’s car by you or your passenger(s). PIP insurance can benefit injury victims involved in an accident. However, in many cases PIP does not cover the full amount of your medical expenses, leaving you wondering how you will be able to afford to pay them. If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident, it’s in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney right away. Your attorney will determine the best course of action and help you pursue the recovery you deserve.
Understanding PIP Insurance
Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, PIP insurance, also known as Florida no-fault insurance, will help cover the medical expenses of the driver and any passengers in your vehicle. Additionally, PIP will cover you if you’re the passenger in another person’s car, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist and you’re involved in an accident. PIP insurance might also cover a portion of your lost wages if you find yourself out of work due to injuries sustained in the accident. PIP insurance offers injured parties up to $10,000 in immediate medical coverage, eliminating the need to go through the lengthy process of establishing fault through the legal system.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that many drivers think they have what they would call “full coverage.” While many people can get behind the wheel of a vehicle and never be involved in an accident, it’s a good idea to understand the amount and type of insurance you have.
Property Damage Liability Insurance
In addition to PIP insurance, drivers are also required to have property damage liability coverage. Property damage liability insurance doesn’t cover the damage to your vehicle, but it covers the damage to the other car, or any type of property that is damaged, if you’re found at fault in an accident.
What to Do if Your PIP Doesn’t Cover Your Medical Bills?
Unfortunately, victims whose medical bills exceed $10,000 are often left wondering how they will pay for the rest of their medical bills that exceed $10,000. If you or a loved one find yourself in this situation, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
If your accident causes serious injuries that result in expenses that exceed PIP’s $10,000 cap, the injured party can bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover their losses. The at-fault driver must compensate the injured party through liability insurance or personal assets.
Your attorney will advise you on whether to pursue legal action against the at-fault party in order to recover any losses that exceed the PIP coverage limit. In addition, you may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, and lost wages if you’ve lost time from work.
Contact a Miami Personal Injury Attorney at Aigen Injury Law
Many Florida drivers don’t fully understand what their insurance covers in the event of an accident. If you have questions about coverage, Aigen Injury Law can help. During your free consultation, we will discuss how much coverage you should have and what the best option is if you’re involved in an automobile accident. Our goal is to ensure you’re protected as much as possible. Our Miami personal injury attorneys have the background and resources necessary to help guide you toward the right insurance coverage for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.