What Is Florida PIP and How Does It Work After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, one of the first terms you’ll hear is “PIP.” Short for Personal Injury Protection, PIP is a mandatory form of insurance that every Florida driver must carry. It is designed to provide immediate financial help after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. At Stockwell Law, attorney Marissa Stockwell helps accident victims understand how PIP works, what it covers, and how to make sure insurance companies honor their obligations.

Florida is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance company is responsible for covering certain expenses after an accident, even if another driver caused the crash. PIP typically covers up to $10,000 in benefits, although how much you receive depends on the severity of your injuries and whether those injuries are deemed an emergency medical condition. PIP helps pay for medical bills, such as hospital visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, and other necessary treatments. It also covers a portion of lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. This immediate support is meant to reduce delays in receiving medical care and lessen the burden while the rest of the claim is being investigated.

While PIP provides essential benefits, many accident victims quickly discover that $10,000 does not go far, especially if the injuries are serious. Hospital visits alone can exceed that amount, and ongoing care such as chiropractic treatment, orthopedic visits, injections, or surgery can result in bills much higher than what PIP covers. This is why it is crucial to understand how PIP interacts with other parts of your insurance policy and any claims you may pursue against the at-fault driver. Stockwell Law ensures that clients receive the full amount of PIP benefits they are entitled to, while also exploring additional avenues for compensation beyond PIP.

Another important detail is that Florida requires accident victims to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to qualify for PIP benefits. Missing this window can result in a denied claim, leaving you responsible for medical expenses that should have been covered. Additionally, insurance companies often challenge whether an injury qualifies as an emergency medical condition in an attempt to reduce payments. Attorney Marissa Stockwell works closely with medical providers to properly document injuries and prevent insurers from unfairly limiting your benefits.

PIP also does not cover pain and suffering, long-term impairment, or future medical expenses. To recover these types of damages, you must pursue a claim against the driver who caused the accident. Stockwell Law handles these claims from start to finish, ensuring clients do not get trapped by insurance limitations or pressured into accepting insufficient settlements. PIP may be the first layer of financial protection, but it is rarely the last step in securing full compensation.

Understanding Florida PIP is essential for anyone injured in a car accident. The system can be confusing, and insurance companies often try to restrict benefits or avoid paying the full amount owed. Stockwell Law helps clients navigate every stage of the process, from accessing PIP funds to pursuing additional claims against the at-fault driver. Attorney Marissa Stockwell is committed to protecting your rights, maximizing your recovery, and guiding you toward the compensation you deserve after an unexpected crash.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.