Why PIP Coverage Often Isn’t Enough
Florida’s sunshine and busy roads make driving both beautiful and unpredictable. Accidents can happen in an instant, leaving victims facing mounting medical bills and missed time from work. When collisions happen, many drivers assume their insurance will take care of everything, but that’s rarely the case.
While personal coverage offers important initial relief, it often falls short when injuries are serious. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can review your situation and share with you an optimal path forward. Knowing how this system works, and when to seek additional compensation, can protect your financial and physical recovery.
When PIP Isn’t Enough
One of a handful of no-fault insurance states, Florida drivers turn to their own insurance first after a crash, no matter who caused it. Every vehicle owner must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy, with a minimum limit of $10,000.
PIP is designed to help you access quick medical care without waiting for a liability determination. It covers a percentage of reasonable medical expenses and lost wages. But the maximum coverage only applies to injuries deemed emergency medical conditions. If your injury isn’t classified as an emergency, your PIP benefits may be capped at $2,500, a limit that barely scratches the surface of modern healthcare costs.
A single emergency room visit or diagnostic scan can cost thousands of dollars. When surgeries, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment are needed, the bills can easily exceed limits. Even a moderate injury, like a broken wrist, can require extended medical care that far surpasses what PIP covers.
For example, imagine you’re rear-ended on Glades Road and suffer a neck injury requiring surgery. PIP might cover the initial hospital visit and a portion of lost wages, but once the $10,000 limit is reached, you’re left paying the rest or relying on health insurance, which may have deductibles and co-pays.
What Happens When Coverage Runs Out
When your medical bills exceed your PIP coverage, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system if you suffer:
- Permanent injury
- Significant and permanent loss of a bodily function
- Scarring or disfigurement
By filing a liability claim, you can seek compensation for the full scope of your damages.
Dealing with insurance companies and medical billing after an accident can be overwhelming. A skilled Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can review your policy, ensure you access the full PIP benefits available, and determine whether additional claims are warranted.
Should your injuries extend beyond what PIP can cover, your lawyer can build a strong case to pursue the compensation you need. Even in a no-fault state like Florida, you have rights. Don’t settle for the bare minimum when your health and future are on the line.
Could you access financial relief beyond PIP? Speak with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez after sustaining an injury in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
