How Car Insurance Works
If you drive in the State of Florida, you must carry car insurance (it’s the law), but if you’re involved in an accident, you may not have any idea how the insurance actually works. You are not alone, and the fact is that it can be pretty complicated. Having a better understanding of how car insurance works can help you be better prepared for whatever comes your way, and if you are injured in a car accident that was caused by another motorist’s negligence, an experienced Tampa car accident attorney can help you with that.
Florida Is a No-Fault Liability State
Florida is one of only 12 states that employ a no-fault liability approach to car accident claims. This is supposed to help consumers, but what does it actually mean? The premise behind no-fault coverage is that every driver is responsible for covering his or her own accident-related injuries with his or her own insurance coverage – regardless of who is at fault for the accident in question.
The coverage that drivers must carry (and their minimums) include:
- Every driver must carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) that covers any injuries the driver sustains in an accident – regardless of who causes the accident. PIP covers damages at the rate of 80 percent for medical costs and 60 percent for other expenses (such as lost earnings and damage to one’s car).
- Every driver must carry $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) that covers damage to the other driver’s vehicle.
The fact of the matter is, however, that a car accident of any magnitude can quickly blow past the $10,000 PIP minimum, and at that point, you will need to pursue your damages through the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
Other Forms of Coverage
The following are optional forms of coverage (that many car loans and leases require motorists to carry):
- Bodily injury liability – Bodily injury liability covers the damages associated with physical injuries that are caused by the covered driver’s fault, and it kicks in when PIP coverage ends.
- Collision – Collision insurance covers damage to the vehicles involved.
- Comprehensive – Comprehensive insurance covers damages caused by theft, some acts of nature, and some other accidents outside of car crashes.
Yes, Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accident claims, but it’s complicated – very, very complicated – and you owe it to yourself to consult with a dedicated Tampa car accident attorney regarding your car accident claim.
Turn to an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorney for the Legal Help You Need
Car accidents are daunting and recovering for your losses can feel overwhelming. The accomplished Tampa car accident attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos, however, have an impressive track record of helping clients like you successfully navigate the often-difficult path toward obtaining just compensation. Our dedicated legal team is committed to skillfully guiding you throughout the insurance process, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 813-223-6405 for more information about how we can help you today.