What Is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage in Florida?
A key insurance protection in many states is Bodily Injury (BI) Liability coverage. This is a type of insurance that pays for injuries the at-fault driver causes to others. But in Florida, BI coverage works differently than it does in much of the country.
Understanding these differences is essential for anyone injured in a FL collision. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can evaluate policy limits, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you deserve after a crash, no matter how complicated the insurance landscape may be.
Florida Does Not Require BI Liability Coverage
BI coverage is designed to pay for another person’s damages when the policyholder causes an accident. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs. Legal fees could also be covered if a lawsuit is filed.
In most states, BI coverage is a requirement. Minimum limits vary widely, but the concept is the same, the driver who caused the accident must have coverage that compensates others for their injuries.
Here is where Florida stands out. Unlike many states, Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means injured individuals first turn to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits after a crash. PIP pays for a percentage of medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident.
This means many Florida drivers are on the road without any insurance that covers the injuries they might cause in a crash. When a driver without BI coverage causes serious injuries, victims may find that there is no liability insurance available to pay for hospital bills, surgeries, long-term care, or pain and suffering damages.
How Florida Differs from Other States
A lot of states require BI coverage, often with strict minimum amounts. For example, some states require $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, while others require much higher limits. This ensures that victims have a source of compensation when someone else causes their injuries.
In Florida, the burden is on each driver to protect themselves by carrying Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. UM/UIM coverage becomes crucial in Florida because it steps in when the at-fault driver has little or no BI coverage.
That said, should a driver in Florida carry BI liability coverage, it becomes available to compensate the injured party once damages exceed PIP limits. BI coverage can pay for:
- Emergency room care
- Physical therapy
- Specialist visits
- Future medical needs
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability-related losses
Because BI is optional in Florida, the limits can vary widely. Some drivers carry minimal BI coverage, while others have high-value policies. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can look into UM/UIM claims, third-party liability, or exploring additional insurance held by the at-fault driver, too.
Is BI liability coverage part of your recovery? Because many Florida drivers lack this important coverage, injured individuals lean on the expertise of the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez to identify all available sources of compensation. Following a collision injury in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach, call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
