Why do I have to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP)?
https://m.flsenate.gov/statutes/627.736
Florida is considered a No-Fault state which means each driver is required to pay for and have what is called Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP). This coverage will pay for 80% of your medical bills up to $10,000 no matter who is at fault for the accident. This coverage will also pay for 60% of your loss of earnings again no matter who is at fault for the accident. Since an injured party pays for and receives these benefits, according to Florida law, in order to file a lawsuit and collect money for pain and suffering damages, your injuries must be serious enough to meet the following thresholds:
Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement
Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
Death
There are also time limitations as to when you must seek medical attention to obtain these benefits. Many people suffer severe pain immediately after the accident and others seem to have pain that gradually gets worse. Therefore it is best to seek medical attention as soon as reasonably possible if you have sustained an injury.
Your physician will determine whether or not you have a permanent injury. If your case goes to trial and the jury checks the box on the verdict form that you did in fact suffer a permanent injury, then you will be entitled to damages for any bodily injury and any resulting pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, or loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life experienced in the past or to be experienced in the future.
A sample verdict form with the permanent injury question is below.
To learn more about Personal Injury Protection (PIP) you can review Florida Statute 627.736 or contact us at Kreutzer Law Offices. We at Kreutzer Law Offices make sure that you, the client, receive copies of all emails, letters, and court documents and we make sure you are fully informed at all times. Furthermore, you can contact us at any time and our cell phone number is always available for emergencies.