Jacksonville PIP Lawyer
Florida is one of a few states that uses a no-fault auto insurance system. There are many benefits to the personal injury protection (PIP) provided under Florida law, but obtaining the full compensation you need can become quite complex. A Jacksonville PIP lawyer can advise on your case and help you claim the full damages you are entitled to.
Benefits of PIP Coverage
Although many states follow a no-fault auto insurance system that requires drivers to purchase a minimum amount of PIP coverage, Florida was only the second state to do so. According to the Florida Senate, the law was enacted to allow injured motorists to obtain the compensation they needed more quickly after an accident. There are other benefits of PIP coverage, too. These include:
- Allowing accident victims to claim compensation from their own insurer, even if they were at fault for the accident
- Limit the number of lawsuits filed in court, reducing the burden on the civil justice system
- Auto insurance premiums that are lower than tort states
- Limit the alleged inequality of recovery under the tort system followed in other states
There is regular debate among lawmakers about whether the above goals have been achieved. Lawmakers also continue to debate the effectiveness of the no-fault system. Today though, filing a PIP claim is usually the first way for motorists in Jacksonville to claim the compensation they need.
What Coverage Does PIP Provide?
When filing a claim for PIP, you can receive a number of different types of coverage. In Florida, PIP will cover the following:
- 80% of medical costs, up to a maximum of $10,000
- 60% of lost income, up to a maximum of $10,000
- Death benefits up to $5,000
- Transportation costs to and from doctor’s appointments
The Emergency Medical Condition Rule
Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws do include an emergency medical condition rule. To access the maximum $10,000 PIP benefits, a medical professional must have diagnosed you with an emergency medical condition. Under the law, an emergency medical condition is one that shows symptoms that if left untreated, would place you at serious risk of loss of a bodily function or death. If a healthcare professional does not diagnose you with an emergency medical condition, you are only entitled to receive $2,500 in PIP benefits.
The emergency medical condition rule could place you in a precarious position. Many injuries, including concussions and soft tissue injuries, are not apparent right away. If they arise later, you may not be able to go to your insurer for compensation. For this reason, it is always recommended that you seek medical attention any time after an accident, even if you do not think you were injured.
Call Our Experienced PIP Lawyer in Jacksonville Today
After an accident, you need to work with a Jacksonville PIP lawyer who has the necessary experience to assist with your claim. At Shuster Saben Estevez, we have published more orders and opinions in favor of medical providers than any other firm in the history of PIP law. Call us today at 877-511-7829 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
