When you’re involved in a car accident in Florida, one of the first questions that arises is: Who pays for my medical bills and lost wages?
The answer lies in Florida’s unique No-Fault Insurance system, known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Understanding how PIP works — and how to use it effectively — can make a major difference in your recovery, both physically and financially.
What Is Florida’s No-Fault System?
Florida is one of only a few states with a No-Fault law. This system was designed to streamline the claims process and ensure that people injured in car accidents receive immediate medical care and financial support — regardless of who caused the crash.
Under this system, your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits, usually $10,000, without requiring you to prove fault first. This means you don’t have to wait for a liability decision before receiving help.
What Does PIP Cover?
Your PIP coverage provides four primary types of benefits:
- Medical Expenses:
PIP covers up to 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses resulting from the accident. This can include ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor visits, imaging, therapy, and prescription costs. - Lost Wages:
If you can’t work because of your injuries, PIP covers up to 60% of your lost income, based on your average earnings before the crash. - Replacement Services:
If you need to hire help for tasks you normally handle yourself (like childcare, cleaning, or driving), you can be reimbursed under PIP for those costs. - Death Benefits:
In tragic cases where a crash results in death, PIP provides a $5,000 death benefit to help families cover funeral or related expenses.
The 14-Day Rule: Don’t Wait to Get Treatment
Florida law requires that you seek medical treatment within 14 days of your accident to qualify for PIP coverage. If you wait longer, your insurer can deny benefits entirely — even if your injuries are serious.
Additionally, if your provider determines that your injuries are not an “Emergency Medical Condition” (EMC), your benefits may be capped at $2,500 instead of the full $10,000.
When Can You Step Outside the No-Fault System?
If your injuries are severe or permanent, you may step outside the PIP system and pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for full compensation — including pain and suffering damages, which PIP does not cover.
Examples include:
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of bodily function
- Long-term disability
At The Watson Firm, our attorneys help clients navigate both PIP claims and liability claims, ensuring every possible source of compensation is explored.
Why You Need Legal Guidance
Insurance adjusters often underpay PIP benefits or misclassify injuries to minimize payouts. Our firm ensures your medical providers are properly billing PIP, your lost wages are fully documented, and your rights to future claims remain protected.
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, contact The Watson Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your PIP coverage and pursue the full compensation you deserve.