This law requires drivers to have Personal Injuries Protection coverage as part of their auto insurance. This is because the No-Fault insurance that they receive will cover bills up to $10,000. Personal Injury Protection is the official name.
What Year Did This All Begin?
Florida was the second state that adopted this system, which began in 1971. The Florida Legislature reached an agreement with local Florida insurance companies. The agreement covers anyone who is in an accident involving a car up to $10,000 regardless of fault.
Initial Details and Exceptions: “No-Fault”,
It is important to remember that “no-fault” does not mean it is impossible to be sued for injuries sustained in an automobile accident. This simply means that every Florida driver must file a report with his or her insurance company to make a claim.
Although PIP does not cover all things, it does include:
- For injuries suffered in an accident, 80% will cover your medical costs
- Prescription medication purchased from an accident is 80%
- 60% pays for lost or reduced income
- Transport to and from any hospital
10 / 20 / 10
The rule for Florida can be summarized as 10/20/10. A person with insurance that is involved in a car accident will receive $10,000 of bodily injury coverage. $10,000 would be for property damage.
A $5000 death benefit is also included in the PIP. In other words, the beneficiary of the insured person would get this money in case the insured person dies as a result of injuries related to the accident.
However, there are exceptions to the rule. One exception is a permanent injury. If you sustain a permanent injury, you can file a direct claim against the driver who caused the accident.
This is an injury that causes a “significant impairment” to your body’s functionality. There is a high chance it will not heal as medical professionals have determined. Permanent scars or disfigurement are also covered. If the insured person dies and the family wants to file a claim, it also applies.
This post was written by Okoye Morgan Jr., a lawyer with extensive knowledge as a personal injury lawyer in Tampa, FL. Okoye is one of the founding partners of The Black Law Company, specializing in personal injury law, trust and estate law, civil litigation law, and criminal defense.
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