Will PIP Cover All of Your Accident-Related Expenses?
After an auto crash, many find themselves juggling unexpected expenses, from medical bills to vehicle repairs. Many turn to their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for financial relief. Florida law requires all drivers to have this type of coverage for certain accident-related expenses.
There are caps on the amount of recovery that can be accessed through PIP, so if you have a lot of accident-related expenses, you may be wondering if there is a path to securing compensation outside of PIP. Share the details of your situation and your hopes for the future with a Tampa personal injury attorney. Skilled lawyers know how to access damages beyond PIP maximum settlement amounts.
Accessing Damages Beyond PIP
PIP coverage is a specific insurance system mandated by the state of Florida. The rule is in place to ensure that every Florida motorist has at least $10,000 accessible to help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs in the event of an accident. These funds can be retrieved regardless of who was at fault, which can be a financial lifesaver.
Covering up to 80% of eligible medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, the benefits of PIP are clear, but there are policy limits. Most policies have a standard PIP max settlement amount of $10,000 in place.
When accident-related expenses exceed PIP coverage limits, there are several avenues available for seeking additional compensation.
- Taking legal action. If you were hurt due to another’s negligence you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit, a path to securing damages beyond your PIP limit. A lawsuit could connect you with funds to settle costs connected to emotional distress and future medical expenses.
- Underinsured/uninsured coverage. Individuals who carry underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage may be able to access their own policy coverage if an at-fault driver has insufficient or no insurance.
- Health insurance. Your own health insurance policy can help cover medical expenses that exceed your PIP coverage, but keep in mind that your health insurance provider may seek reimbursement should you secure a settlement or judgment through the course of a personal injury lawsuit.
- Negotiating with providers. Some find they are able to negotiate with healthcare providers to have their total medical bills lowered, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Having settlement discussions with an at-fault party or their insurance company could also result in solutions. If you choose to hire an attorney, they will use their experience and skills to fight for a fair resolution that covers your damages.
Consult with an Experienced Tampa Injury Attorney
When trying to recover damages beyond your PIP coverage, understanding the intricacies of insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits can be daunting. An experienced Tampa personal injury attorney can assess your unique situation, inform you of your rights, and guide you through the legal process.
Were you looking over your accident expenses and believe the total will surpass your PIP limit? While PIP is a valuable safety net, it may not cover all your accident-related expenses. Make a consultation appointment with the legal professionals at HD Law Partners to explore your recovery options. Call 813-964-7878.
