Because Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, drivers in Florida must carry a kind of insurance known as Personal Injury Protection or PIP. PIP will pay for up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wage after a car accident, no matter who was at fault. There are very strict time limits that must be adhered to, however when filing a PIP claim.
What Is a PIP Claim?
PIP covers medical costs, lost income, and, in the case of a death in the accident, funeral expenses. Most medical costs will be covered, including:
- Doctor’s Appointments and Examinations;
- X-rays and Lab Tests;
- Hospital bills;
- Surgery;
- Ambulance Costs;
- Rehabilitation Therapy.
If the policyholder is unable to work or has economic losses because of an auto accident, PIP will cover 60% of those losses up to a policy limit of $10,000. Finally, if the auto accident causes a death, the PIP will pay funeral benefits of up to $5,000.
How To File a PIP Claim in Florida
Filing for a PIP claim, like any other insurance claim, is done by contacting your insurance carrier or agent. The key point to remember is that Florida has a very strict time limit for filing the claim. The Florida PIP statute of limitations requires that any treatment be undertaken and any claim be made within two weeks of the date of the accident. If the treatment is not received from a qualified medical professional within 14 days, no PPI benefits will be available.
Once the claim is filed and bills are submitted, the insurance company must make payment within 30 days. Because Florida has a high rate of insurance fraud, the company can investigate the claim, and any alleged fraud, for up to 60 days.
To claim an economic loss, the insurer may ask your employer to fill out a wage verification report and submit it to your insurance carrier. The report will cover your wages for the 13 weeks prior to the accident. The amount you recover will be based on your wages. The insurance carrier may also request a medical report from your attending doctors explaining the nature and extent of the disability which prevents you from working.
How Can a Miami PIP Claims Attorney Help You?
If your case is complicated, or if the insurance company wishes to deny the claim or the amounts claimed, an attorney can help you with your dispute and assist you in getting payment. Also, an attorney can help you in gathering your documents, whether they be medical records or employer work and wage records, and in submitting them to your insurance carrier.
Also, if your damages exceed the amount of PIP coverage, you still retain the right to sue the other driver for any losses. Thus, if you have more hospital bills or economic losses, you can claim that amount from the other driver in a lawsuit. An attorney can assist you with recovering the full amount you have suffered in injuries and damages.
If you have been injured in an auto accident in South Florida, you should consider retaining the services of a PIP Florida law group. The firm of Buchalter, Hoffman, and Dorchak has a professional and experienced legal team and can provide you with a Miami PIP claims attorney.
We have helped many clients navigate the pitfalls of PIP insurance coverage and assisted many clients in obtaining full and fair compensation for their injuries. We would be happy to explain the intricacies of PIP coverage to you and assist you with your claim. Call us today for an appointment to discuss your situation.