What is personal injury protection?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), often referred to as Florida’s no-fault insurance, is required for most drivers in the state. PIP coverage helps pay for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. In Florida, PIP typically covers up to a set amount (typically $10,000) of medical costs and income loss, making it an important first source of benefits after an accident. Since Florida operates under a no-fault system, injured drivers must first turn to their own PIP insurance before pursuing a claim against another driver, except in cases involving serious injuries. Understanding how Florida’s PIP coverage works is essential for protecting your rights after an accident.
What does personal injury protection (PIP) cover?
Medical bills for you and those covered on your policy
Disability and rehab costs
Lost wages if you or your passengers are injured and can't work
Household services such as childcare, house cleaning, or yard work
You May Still Have the Right to Take Legal Action....
In serious accident cases, Florida’s $10,000 personal injury protection limit is often not enough to cover the full extent of your losses. When medical expenses exceed that amount or an injury results in permanent impairment, you may have the ability to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Florida law allows injured individuals to seek additional compensation beyond PIP when certain injury thresholds are met.
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For example, imagine you are involved in a car accident where a truck driver causes the crash. You require emergency medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and are unable to work for several weeks. Between medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income, your damages quickly reach $25,000. While your PIP coverage may pay up to the first $10,000 of eligible expenses, a significant portion of your losses remains unpaid. If evidence shows the truck driver was responsible for the accident, you may be able to file a claim against that driver to recover compensation for the remaining damages not covered by PIP.