The Florida no-fault auto insurance system can be advantageous, but it can also add complications that might stand between you and the compensation you deserve. But exactly what does no-fault insurance mean in Florida, and how might it affect car accident claims? The team at Zimmet & Zimmet is dedicated to helping our clients understand personal injury law, and we have the answers you’re looking for.
What Is Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System?
So, what does no-fault insurance mean in Florida?
When you hear someone reference no-fault car insurance in Florida, they’re talking about how auto insurance policies apply to car accident claims in our state. Here’s how no-fault insurance works in Florida. When you get into an accident, you turn to your own insurance coverage for certain expenses rather than the negligent party’s insurance policy. In most other states, car accident victims would seek coverage from the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
Your coverage will come from Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which is mandated under Florida law. That means if you have any auto insurance, you have $10,000 of Florida PIP insurance. This insurance covers 80 percent of medical bills and 60 percent of lost wages after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault.
How No-Fault Affects Car Accident Claims and Settlements
Now that you know how no-fault insurance works in Florida, you’re probably wondering how it might impact your claim and the resulting settlement. While your Florida PIP insurance may cover you for $10,000, it only pays a portion of your medical expenses or lost wages up to that figure. It’s also not uncommon for a victim’s actual losses to exceed that figure. Additionally, this coverage only applies to economic losses, not the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
When your PIP coverage is maxed out and you’re still suffering physical, emotional, and financial distress, you may need to consider other options, like pursuing further compensation from the person who caused the accident.
Can I Ever Sue the Other Driver?
Yes, there are exceptions under the no-fault law that allow you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. An accident victim may have grounds to file a lawsuit in the event of a serious injury, defined as the following:
- Significant or permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Death
If your injuries qualify, you can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, future medical bills, and other losses not covered by PIP.
Why Legal Help Still Matters for No-Fault Car Accident Claims
No-fault insurance helps to simplify the process of recovering compensation, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Insurance companies will protect their profits by attempting to weaken or deny your claim through various tactics. An experienced car accident attorney can help you counter those tactics, maximize your PIP benefits, and pursue further compensation wherever possible. It’s crucial to contact one as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Florida car accident, don’t let the no-fault system limit your recovery. The team at Zimmet & Zimmet has decades of experience helping injured Florida clients get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.
