Is PIP Coverage Enough to Cover Your Car Accident Expenses?
Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state. That doesn’t mean that no one was at fault for the crash – the other person may very well have been, and there may be plenty of evidence to support that – it means that fault does not determine who pays the costs of the accident at first. Every driver must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and go through that insurance first to receive benefits for car accident injuries.
PIP insurance is limited in scope, often not covering the extensive financial burden that car accidents entail, which can include comprehensive healthcare expenses, rehabilitation therapies, and long-term income loss. Understanding these limitations early helps strategize for further actions, such as filing a claim against the at-fault driver to ensure all financial losses are adequately addressed, thus protecting your future financial stability.
However, PIP only covers 80% of emergency medical expenses and only $2,500 of non-emergency medical expenses. Whether or not your injuries are emergencies will be determined by your treating medical professionals, who you must be seen by within a 14-day window after the crash to qualify for benefits. PIP also only covers up to 60% of lost income.
Say your injuries (when everything is said and done) will cost you about $45,000 to treat. Even if they were considered emergencies, you’d still be left with almost $10,000 you must pay out of your pocket. You shouldn't pay a dime if the accident wasn’t your fault.
In many Sarasota crashes, we help clients look beyond PIP by:
- Identifying all insurance policies that may provide coverage, including bodily injury liability, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage.
- Determining whether injuries qualify as serious or permanent under Florida law, which can allow you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
- Calculating full economic losses such as ongoing treatment, future surgeries, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket expenses tied to the collision.
- Accounting for non-economic harm like pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that is not addressed by basic PIP benefits.
- Advising you on next steps so you can decide, with clear information, whether to pursue a liability claim or lawsuit in addition to your PIP benefits.
Fighting for the Full Compensation You Deserve
Your other option is to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy once you have sought PIP benefits, but insurance companies lose money when they pay accident victims. They are likely to deny you outright or attempt to devalue your claim in any way they can, but you may not realize that you are being lowballed. That’s where our experienced Sarasota car accident lawyers come in. We will investigate the accident, document your injuries, and accurately value your case. You may deserve compensation for things like:
- Ambulatory transport
- Emergency room care
- Intensive unit care
- Imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.)
- Blood work
- Surgeries
- Dental work
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Medications
- Lost wages
- And more
Insurance processes are often convoluted, and it's common for claimants to miss out on additional recompenses for suffering, psychological impacts, or future losses. We delve into each detail to ensure every notable impact of the accident is accounted for in your claim, thus maximizing your compensation potential and securing the necessary support for your recovery journey.
Understanding Sarasota Traffic & Car Accident Trends
Sarasota, known for its picturesque coastline and bustling tourism, presents unique traffic challenges. The influx of seasonal visitors significantly increases car accident rates due to higher traffic volume. Intersections like U.S. Highway 41, known as Tamiami Trail, witness frequent auto accidents due to heavy congestion and varying speed limits. Understanding these local nuances is crucial in effectively navigating claims related to local car accidents. The local government regularly updates infrastructure plans to address these issues, which can impact the outcome of claims and the timeline of legal processes.
In recent years, Sarasota County has implemented various road safety initiatives to reduce auto accidents. Programs focusing on driver education and strict enforcement of traffic laws aim to curtail hazardous driving behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving. Awareness of such initiatives not only aids in developing comprehensive legal strategies but also offers insights into potential defenses and counterclaims that might arise during negotiations or court proceedings.
Legal Insights: Florida's Comparative Fault Rule in Auto Accidents
Understanding Florida's comparative fault law is essential for anyone involved in an auto accident in Sarasota. This rule generally reduces a plaintiff's compensation by their percentage of fault in an accident. For instance, if you're found to be 20% at fault in a collision, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. This nuanced approach to fault encourages a detailed examination of all contributing factors to an accident, necessitating meticulous documentation and testimony to support your claims.
Effective legal representation involves establishing the other party's fault and minimizing your liability. This requires a robust approach to gathering evidence, such as accident scene photographs, eyewitness statements, and analyses of collision dynamics. Navigating the complexities of comparative fault can significantly influence the amount of compensation received and necessitates strategic legal foresight to ensure fair representation.
To protect your interests under Florida’s comparative fault rules, our team can:
- Analyze accident reports from local law enforcement to identify inaccuracies or gaps that could unfairly increase your share of fault.
- Collect supporting evidence such as skid mark measurements, vehicle damage photos, and roadway conditions that help show how the other driver’s actions caused the crash.
- Interview witnesses promptly so their recollections can be preserved and used to challenge any attempts to shift blame onto you.
- Address insurance arguments that try to overstate your role in the collision, using clear facts and applicable traffic laws.
- Prepare your case carefully so that, if a lawsuit becomes necessary, the record of how the accident happened is as complete and accurate as possible.
Insurance & Uninsured Motorist Coverage Importance in Sarasota
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is crucial in Sarasota, considering Florida's higher-than-average rate of uninsured drivers. This insurance can protect you if you're involved in an accident where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage or is uninsured. Since UM coverage is not mandatory in Florida, many drivers overlook its importance, potentially exposing themselves to significant financial risk in the event of a serious accident.
Securing adequate UM coverage is a safety net, helping ensure you are financially protected against unforeseen circumstances. In an accident with an uninsured driver, having UM coverage can make the difference between significant financial hardship and the ability to recover without enduring extreme monetary losses. This coverage is critical in Sarasota, where a bustling tourist season increases interaction with non-local drivers, some of whom may be uninsured or underinsured.
When we review insurance issues after a Sarasota collision, we often:
- Examine your policy to confirm whether you carry UM coverage, stacking options, or other benefits that may apply to your claim.
- Compare all available coverage from the at-fault driver, any applicable commercial policies, and your own auto policy to identify the best path to recovery.
- Explain how UM benefits work so you understand how and when they can supplement or replace the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Assist with UM claims by submitting documentation, responding to your insurer’s requests, and pushing back against unfair delays or denials.
- Coordinate multiple claims when necessary so that liability, PIP, and UM benefits are pursued in a way that supports your overall financial recovery.
Let Us Handle the Legal Burden While You Focus on Recovery
When you're in pain, the last thing you want to do is call insurance companies and sort through documents. The Florida Law Group’s team will handle everything on your behalf so you can focus on getting better while we focus on getting you a settlement.
When you work with our Sarasota team after an auto collision, we can:
- Explain each step of the claims process in clear language so you know what to expect and when key decisions will arise.
- Help coordinate appointments with your medical providers and keep track of records, bills, and reports needed to document your injuries.
- Monitor important deadlines for insurance claims and court filings so your rights are preserved while you concentrate on healing.
- Keep you updated regularly about negotiations, offers, and next steps, reducing the stress of wondering what is happening with your case.
- Prepare you for milestones such as statements, examinations, or mediations so you feel confident and supported throughout the process.
Contact Our Sarasota Car Accident Attorneys Today
Our attorneys have won numerous awards and recognitions for our ability to secure verdicts for our clients. We’ve been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, and more. Our managing attorney, Chris Limberopoulos, is a board-certified civil trial lawyer – a highly qualified professional for these claims. He has a track record that gives you confidence in handling your case.
Because we know that the cost of the accident is already astronomical, and because we believe that everyone deserves quality representation if they’ve been injured, we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. You don’t have to pay us any legal fees unless and until we recover compensation for you. It’s a no-risk arrangement that can give you peace of mind. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and determine if you have a case.
Contact our Sarasota car accident lawyers by calling (833) 899-0310 now for a free consultation and let us handle the legal side while you heal!
