To legally drive in Florida, you must purchase $10,000 in property damage coverage and $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) to pay toward medical bills. Since Florida is a no-fault car insurance state, your insurance must pay 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000. If you’re thinking $10,000 won’t go very far toward medical bills and expenses, you’re right. At Kelley/Uustal, we want to help you recover costs to the greatest extent possible after an accident.
You Could Be on the Hook for Huge Expenses
About half the people driving in Florida only have the minimum coverage described above, and unfortunately, thousands of people on the road have no insurance. You could be completely innocent in an accident and be stuck with enormous medical bills, lost wages, or even permanent injuries. If you can afford it, strongly consider buying supplementary car insurance to protect against such financial disasters.
You and Your Health Insurer After an Accident
Your health insurance goes into effect after PIP is exhausted. If you receive a settlement or judgment related to the car accident, your health insurer will want part of the settlement to cover what they’ve spent on your medical bills. An experienced car accident lawyer knows what health insurers are entitled to and how to negotiate with them.
Planning Ahead as Protection against Those Who Don’t
An insurance specialist or a car accident lawyer can advise you on what type of insurance coverage you should purchase to protect against the very low limits of PIP and against those drivers who illegally drive without insurance. It’s not fair that you have to make up for those who don’t plan ahead, but if you’re ever in a serious accident, you will be glad you did.
Contacting a Lawyer Can Be a Very Smart Move
Contacting a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer after an accident is smart. If a party other than the other driver is found to have some liability in the matter, you may be able to pursue compensation with that party as well. You may not know all your rights, but an injury lawyer like those at Kelley/Uustal can advise you.
