How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System Work in Car Accident Cases?

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which can be confusing for drivers after a car accident—especially when injuries, medical bills, and insurance questions start piling up. Under this system, every Florida driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection, also known as PIP insurance. PIP covers a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages after a crash regardless of who caused the accident. While this is meant to ensure immediate access to medical care, it often creates frustration and misunderstandings for injury victims. At Stockwell Law, attorney Marissa Stockwell helps clients navigate Florida’s no-fault rules, understand their coverage, and pursue additional compensation when necessary.

PIP typically provides up to $10,000 in benefits, covering 80 percent of medical bills and 60 percent of lost income, depending on the severity of the injury. To qualify for full benefits, victims must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident, making timely treatment essential. However, PIP does not cover everything—it does not pay for pain and suffering, long-term medical costs, future treatment, or the full amount of lost wages. For many accident victims, especially those suffering from injuries such as herniated discs, fractures, concussions, nerve damage, or chronic pain, PIP is not nearly enough to cover all damages.

Because PIP is limited, injured drivers often need to step outside the no-fault system to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is allowed when injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold,” which includes permanent impairment, significant scarring, or long-term loss of function. Once this threshold is met, victims can pursue a claim for damages such as pain and suffering, full lost wages, future medical care, and other losses not covered by PIP. Stockwell Law assists clients in documenting injuries, proving the seriousness of their condition, and building strong claims against negligent drivers.

Although Florida is a no-fault state, insurance companies frequently dispute claims even when PIP should apply. Adjusters may delay payments, deny treatment, or argue that injuries are not related to the crash. They may also try to minimize the severity of injuries to avoid paying additional compensation under bodily injury insurance. Attorney Marissa Stockwell protects clients from these tactics by handling communication with insurers, securing medical records, gathering evidence, and ensuring that clients receive every benefit available under their policy.

The no-fault system was designed to simplify accident claims, but in reality, it often creates more questions than answers—especially when injuries are serious. That is why having experienced legal guidance is essential. Stockwell Law helps injury victims understand when PIP applies, when they can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, and how to navigate Florida’s insurance requirements without being taken advantage of. If you were injured in a Florida car accident and need help making sense of the no-fault system, attorney Marissa Stockwell is here to guide you, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.