Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Protection – Car Accident Cases

Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents. This means that many drivers will get compensation for their medical expenses through their personal injury protection (PIP) policy. However, it can be difficult to understand the rules and regulations surrounding PIP policies.

Fortunately, the team at the Law Offices of Chalik & Chalik can help you go over this insurance coverage. Call us at 855-529-0269 to learn more about personal injury protection in Fort Lauderdale car accident cases.

Coverage Offered by PIP Policies

Your PIP coverage is designed to offer you compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages at work if you are hurt in a car accident. You may be offered:

• Up to $2,500 for “non-emergency” injuries
• Up to $10,000 for emergency medical conditions

However, you should be aware that PIP coverage only addresses up to 80% of your medical expenses and up to 60% of your lost wages.

Emergency Medical Care and PIP Coverage

We mentioned that your PIP coverage amount can increase to up to $10,000 if you have an emergency medical condition. The state of Florida defines emergency medical conditions as conditions that could:

• Seriously jeopardize your health
• Lead to the impairment of a bodily function
• Cause serious dysfunction in a body part or organ

These conditions require immediate attention and can allow you to receive up to $10,000 from your PIP policy after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale.

Individuals Covered by PIP Policies

Let’s go over the individuals who can receive compensation from your PIP policy. You can seek compensation for yourself, as well as:

• Your children
• Members of your household
• Passengers in your vehicle who do not have PIP insurance

Note that PIP coverage can cover your children if they are involved in a wreck on a school bus. Your PIP coverage also protects you while you are not driving in your vehicle. You can seek compensation through PIP coverage if you are hurt:

• While riding in someone else’s car
• While walking along the road
• While riding your bike

Drivers Exempted from PIP Coverage

Many drivers in Florida are required to carry PIP coverage as part of their insurance. However, there are exceptions to this rule. You may not have to carry a PIP policy if you operate a:

• Taxi
• Limousine
• School Bus

Taxis and limousines are exempted from this coverage because they are commercial vehicles. Wrecks involving commercial vehicles are handled differently in the state of Florida. Note also that any vehicle with under four wheels does not require PIP coverage. This includes motorcycles.

Time Limits on PIP Compensation

You must seek medical care within a set period of time to be able to get compensation from your PIP policy. If you do not get medical treatment within 14 days you will not receive any compensation from your PIP coverage.

Additionally, initial care must be provided by approved healthcare professionals. You may seek your initial treatment from:

• Medical doctors
• Dentists
• Doctors of osteopathic medicine
• A hospital facility
• Emergency medical personnel

You cannot get initial care from an acupuncturist or a massage therapist to qualify for PIP benefits.

PIP Coverage and Property Damage Liability (PDL) Policies

Your PIP coverage can offer you compensation for your medical expenses and time off at work. This policy does not address property damage to your vehicle in the event of a car accident. You must rely on your property damage liability (PDL) policy for this compensation.

Both your PIP and PDL policies are part of your car insurance in Florida. As with your PIP policy, you can seek up to $10,000 in compensation from your PDL coverage to handle repair costs for your vehicle.

Additional Compensation for Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

As you can see, PIP and PDL policies can provide you with compensation after an accident in Fort Lauderdale. However, these policies may not fully cover your losses if you were seriously injured in a wreck.

In this situation, you may be able to seek additional damages by filing a personal injury claim against the driver responsible for the accident. Jason and Debi Chalik can review your case to provide you with legal guidance after an accident. Work to get maximum compensation for your losses with a car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.

Find Out More About PIP in Fort Lauderdale Now

You can call the Law Offices of Chalik & Chalik at 855-529-0269 if you have additional questions about PIP coverage. Speak with us about personal injury protection in car accident cases in Fort Lauderdale today. You can take advantage of our free consultation to go over options for securing compensation after a wreck.

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