After an accident in Florida, it is important to determine who will be responsible for the cost of injuries. Florida’s insurance laws and specific laws play a key role in making this determination.
Victims need to know who pays for injuries sustained in a car crash if they want to receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses. This article examines the financial responsibility for car accidents in Florida. It also discusses insurance and legal issues.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida’s no-fault insurance system is primarily responsible for how compensation is paid to victims of car accidents. Each driver must carry Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP).
Coverage under PIP
The PIP policy covers medical costs, lost wages, and death benefits, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This coverage is usually extended to passengers, household members, and the policyholder.
Limitations to PIP
The maximum amount payable for PIP is $10,000, including disability and medical benefits. Death benefits are $5,000. PIP covers 80% of medical costs and 60% of lost wages.
Florida’s no-fault system can be bypassed in cases of serious injuries. In these situations, victims may pursue claims against the driver at fault. The law allows victims to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if they suffer a severe injury.
Anyone involved in an accident in Florida should be aware of the no-fault law, which has a direct impact on how injury claims are processed and the compensation available.
Compensation Beyond PIP Coverage
If the damages from an accident are too high and the victims’ injuries are severe, they can seek additional compensation. This usually involves filing a liability claim against the driver at fault.
This claim will cover more extensive medical expenses, lost wages in full, pain and suffering, and any other damages not covered under PIP. If the driver at fault has Bodily Injury Liability Insurance (BIL), this may also be an option for compensation. BIL insurance is not mandatory in Florida but it covers other people’s injuries when the policyholder causes an accident.
Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Coverage
For scenarios where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage or in hit-and-run accidents, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide necessary financial protection.
This optional coverage in Florida can help bridge the gap between the PIP and the actual expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your car accident attorney in Seminole FL, and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims who have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slips, and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.