How to use PIP Benefits

Florida PIP Benefits

One of the biggest concerns after being involved in a car accident is "How will I pay my medical bills?" "I can't afford to go to a doctor." 

Florida is a "no fault state," meaning the typical policy provides $10,000.00 in personal injury protection (PIP) if you were at fault or not. ​This means you'll most likely have at least $10,000.00 in coverage for you injuries following an accident. Read on for more on PIP.

You're entitled to $10,000.00 in PIP benefits, however the insurance company isn't going to just hand over a check. 

PIP benefits cover medical treatment and lost wages following an auto accident. PIP benefits do not cover all your expenses. PIP covers 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of your lost wages. This means that you'll be on the hook for 20% of your medical bills. It's important to note, in most instances your health insurance will not cover injuries from a car accident. 

Fortunately, PIP benefits are generally pretty easy to use - at least from the medical side. After an accident, let your medical provider know that the injuries were caused by a car accident. Give them your PIP information. They should handle the rest! Most hospitals, accident doctors, and chiropractors understand the auto insurance system and will bill it accordingly. 

Lost wages are a little harder to get, because in order to get paid out, it will need to be approved by the PIP adjuster. In order to have you lost wages approved you'll need to provide your wages for a few weeks before the accident and for the periods you're claiming lost wages. You'll also need to provide proof that the accident caused the decline in wages. This means that you'll likely need a doctor's note saying that you couldn't work.

In most instances, seeking medical attention will exhaust your PIP benefits. As we all know, medical care is extraordinarily expensive. $10,000.00 doesn't go that far if your doctors recommend a few tests and some treatment. 

While it’s not required, it’s highly recommended that you speak with an attorney about your Florida car accident claim. A Florida car crash attorney can guide you through the stressful, complex insurance process. Many times, car crash victims don’t know what doctors are needed for their injuries or want help with the insurance process. 

According to the IRC, accident victims who retained an attorney received settlements more than 3 times higher than those without an attorney. Don't hesitate, the consultation is free.

If you were injured in a car crash, truck crash, slip and fall, motorcycle accident, or workers compensation accident, it's important to have an attorney who can navigate the complex insurance landscape. Call Attorney Andrew Graves for a free consultation or fill out our online consultation form for a call back.