Understanding Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of car insurance required in Florida and a few other states. Often called “no-fault” coverage, PIP is designed to pay for your medical expenses after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. In some cases, it can also cover lost wages and funeral costs.

Florida law requires every driver to carry PIP coverage, but many people are surprised by how complex the system can be once they actually need to use it.

If your injuries exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you may still be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference when navigating these claims.

How a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with PIP

While PIP benefits are meant to give you quick access to compensation, insurance companies don’t always make the process simple. In fact, many injured Floridians struggle to receive the full amount they’re owed.

A knowledgeable attorney can:

• Make sure your PIP claim is properly filed and paid in full.

• Help you understand what medical care is covered under your policy.

• Step in when an insurer denies or delays payment.

• Pursue additional claims against the at-fault driver if your costs exceed PIP limits.

Do You Qualify for PIP Coverage?

Eligibility for PIP benefits depends on a few key factors:

1. You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
   If you wait longer than 14 days, you may lose your right to PIP benefits.

2. You must own or live with someone who owns an insured vehicle.
   Coverage generally extends to the policyholder, household relatives, and sometimes passengers.

3. You may qualify for different benefit levels depending on your diagnosis.

   • By default, PIP provides at least $2,500 in medical coverage.

   • If a doctor diagnoses you with an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC), your coverage may increase up to $10,000.

What Is an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC)?

Under Florida law, an EMC is a medical issue that could result in:

• Serious risk to your health,

• Impaired bodily function, or

• Dysfunction of a body part or organ.

An EMC diagnosis must come from a qualified medical provider such as a doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or dentist. Without this diagnosis, your benefits may be capped at $2,500—even if your actual expenses are much higher.

Why Insurance Companies Push Back on PIP

PIP was meant to make things easier for accident victims, but insurers often use loopholes and technicalities to reduce payouts. Common issues include:

• Claim denials for “late” or “insufficient” treatment.

• Failure to recognize an EMC diagnosis.

• Delays in paying medical providers, leaving patients caught in the middle.

If your insurance company is refusing to pay, or if you believe you’re not getting the benefits you deserve, a personal injury attorney can help hold them accountable.

Get Help with Your Florida PIP Claim

After a car accident, you deserve the full benefits you’re entitled to under your PIP coverage. If your insurance company is making things difficult, or if your expenses exceed your policy limits, an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer can step in to fight for you.

At Applebaum Accident Group, we’re here to protect your rights and make sure you’re not left paying out of pocket for injuries you didn’t cause.

📞 Call us (855-Call-Paul) today for a  consultation and let us review your case.