Auto accidents can be devastating, expensive, and exhausting. In 2017 alone, there were 402,385 crashes involving 686,590 drivers in Florida. To help combat the cost, Florida has adopted a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage requirement under the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, compelling all owners or registrants of a motor vehicle to have PIP. PIP is intended to provide immediate medical coverage instead of spending countless hours in court trying to establish who was at fault. This coverage makes individuals responsible for their own injuries sustained in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
In order to be covered under PIP, you have to receive initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost earning capacity up to a combined limit of $10,000. PIP can cover health insurance deductibles, lost income, mileage reimbursements, and funeral expenses. In cases where you do not own a car and are therefore not required to have PIP coverage, Resident Relative PIP coverage allows you to be covered under the auto insurance policy of a relative living in the same household, such as a parent or sibling. Pedestrians with no auto insurance are able to get coverage under the at-fault motorist’s PIP or, for pedestrians with auto insurance, go through their own PIP coverage.
Unfortunately, motorcycles are not included in the “motor vehicle” definition and are excluded under current PIP laws in Florida. However, motorcyclists do have the option to purchase coverage that can help them in case of an accident. This also means that any motorcycle passenger cannot recover under PIP and must have their own medical coverage.
PIP is an important and useful coverage that Floridians are lucky to enjoy, but dealing with medical and insurance claims can be taxing. Let us help you get the representation you deserve. Call the experienced lawyers at Fasig Brooks today at 222.3232.
