How Does PIP Reform Impact My Claim?
When it comes to car accident claims, there are possible changes coming in the state of Florida. After almost 50 years, Florida may repeal the no-fault insurance system. For drivers, this means they would not be required to have personal injury protection (PIP), but would instead be required to have bodily injury coverage when operating a vehicle.
Lawmakers in favor of PIP reform are advancing the changes because doing so will help with litigation issues, hold at-fault drivers negligent, and could lower insurance rates for Florida drivers. In fact, the goal is to make the changes beneficial to both Florida drivers and the insurance companies. After an accident, it is common to have questions about your insurance claim, so if you are wondering how to move forward, talk to a seasoned Sarasota car accident lawyer today.
Levels of Protections
With PIP coverage, Florida residents involved in car accidents are eligible for up to $10,000 in benefits for emergency medical conditions and $2,500 for non-emergency medical conditions. These figures are within Florida’s personal-injury protection (PIP) car insurance law which originally dates back to 1979.
The most recent proposed changes to this law would mandate drivers will carry the following coverage amounts instead:
- $10,000 of financial responsibility for property damage.
- $25,000 if negligent for injury or fatality of one individual.
- $50,000 if negligent for injury or fatality of two or more individuals.
Naturally, there are many more complexities to the changes. For example, there is a framework included to assist in resolving claims that fail to settle.
While the no-fault law has been in place for decades, there have been adjustments over the years. In 2012, changes were made to PIP in the form of medical coverage language. The language was adjusted to exclude some treatments, such as massage and acupuncture. The changes were intended to help with insurance costs and although there was an initial decline, this reversed after a couple of years and insurance premiums again increased.
Whether or not PIP reform will lower costs will also depend, in part, on where you live. There are many factors that go into establishing auto insurance rates. Rates are often higher in Miami and Palm Beach than they are in Orlando and Sarasota. Driver histories and behaviors also play a role along with personal information, such as your marital status, age, gender, and years of experience as a driver.
Unleash Hale
Negotiating with insurance companies is not always easy. It is important you have a Sarasota car accident lawyer on your side to look out for your best interests in the event of a car accident that is no fault of your own, especially one who is updated on recent changes in the law. After all, reforms could impact how your insurance claim is handled.
Do you have questions about PIP reform and your car accident claim? Talk to the experienced Sarasota attorneys at Hale Law. Some crashes lead to complex insurance negotiations. Our experienced attorneys will work to secure the maximum compensation amount. Because our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, there are no fees or costs if we are unable to recover compensation. For a free consultation, call us anytime at 941-735-4529.
