No Fault Insurance

Personal Injury Attorney
St. Petersburg

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No Fault & PIP Insurance in St. Petersburg

No Fault Insurance is a type of automobile coverage that pays for accident-related medical expenses, kind of like health insurance, and lost wages, no matter who is at fault in causing the accident. In Florida, the no-fault insurance coverage available is called “Personal Injury Protection”, “PIP” for short.

One of the key things to remember about PIP insurance is that everyone who owns a motor vehicle in Florida must carry PIP insurance on their auto policy. PIP is typically not applicable to motorcycles, buses, and commercial vehicles. No fault insurance is also not relevant in determining who is responsible for fixing vehicle damage or paying for a rental car to use while repairs are made (which is called “property damage” liability). However, every vehicle owner’s PIP coverage will follow them, so no matter what vehicle they are riding in at the time of the crash, they will be able to claim medical expenses and lost wages through their own PIP insurance. In addition, all passengers in a vehicle may be entitled to PIP coverage, whether through their own insurance company, that of a relative that they live with, or even from another vehicle owner in certain circumstances. Even a pedestrian or bicyclist who is hit by a car, may be entitled to recover PIP benefits, even if they themselves don’t own a motor vehicle. It can be extremely complicated determining when PIP coverage is available, and from whom. Because of this, it is very wise to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to assist you in getting your medical bills and lost wages paid.

Qualifying for PIP Insurance Payments

In order to qualify for PIP coverage, you must see a physician within 14 days of your accident, or your PIP claim can be denied by the insurance company. Additionally, unless a doctor is of the opinion you sustained something called an “emergency medical condition”, or “EMC”, your medical benefits under PIP can be limited to a mere $2500. With the assistance of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you could actually qualify to have as much as $10,000 of medical bills and wages paid by your PIP. This amount could be increased even more if a coverage called “Medical Payments”(also called “Med Pay” or “MPC”) is applicable. An experienced PIP lawyer can help determine if there is any Med Pay coverage for your claim.

In many instances, when you are in a car wreck, whether your vehicle gets rear ended, T-boned, or the crash happens in some other manner, you will suffer a personal injury and property damage. You may need emergency room care, medical or chiropractic care, physical therapy or surgery. These can all be paid for by PIP, which generally covers 80% of your reasonably necessary health care expenses from an accident. It will also cover 60% of your lost wages. Your medical providers will typically bill your PIP insurance directly. PIP payments are limited by a medical fee schedule, as well as the policy limits and sometimes deductibles, but a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you recover the maximum which you are entitled to under the law.

In Florida, if you are in a car accident, your PIP coverage is primary to medicare, Medicaid and health insurance, The meaning of this is that your medical bills must be billed to PIP first before any other insurance is obligated to pay. If another insurance pays first, without knowing that there is PIP coverage, the first insurer will typically be able to get whatever amount they paid reimbursed to them from the PIP insurer.

If you need a personal injury lawyer in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area to help you navigate the difficult PIP insurance scheme, please contact us today. We always offer a free consultation for any personal injury claim, and you will pay no attorney fees to us unless you win a settlement or verdict in your claim.

The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice as that can only be given by a direct consultation with the attorney after having reviewed your entire matter and relevant documentation. Actual terms and conditions of representation will be contained in the Representation Agreement.