What is PIP?
If you are confused by PIP – personal injury protection – you are not alone. Florida is one of a handful of states that is no fault, which means that in a minor car accident, you will look to your own car insurance company to cover your losses (via your own PIP coverage). This is intended to expedite the process of obtaining compensation, but it only provides partial coverage for your medical expenses and lost wages, which makes it less than ideal when it comes to your optimal recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to consult with an experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorney.
PIP Coverage Is Limited
Every motorist is required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage in Florida. Even a relatively minor car accident, however, can quickly exceed this threshold once your attendant medical expenses and lost wages are tabulated. Additionally, your PIP policy only offers limited coverage that includes:
- 80 percent of your out-of-pocket medical expenses (after your deductible is met)
- 60 percent of your lost wages
- $5,000 in death benefits if you succumb to the injuries you sustained
In other words, PIP can be woefully inadequate for covering your damages post-accident, and it doesn’t even address the matter of the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney is well-advised.
Serious Injuries
If the injuries you suffer as a result of another driver’s negligence are serious, the surest route to obtaining the compensation you need to help you get back to 100 percent is with a car accident claim that is guided by an experienced car accident attorney. The damages you’ve sustained are likely to be considerable, and your PIP coverage will not suffice.
Your Comprehensive Damages
The damages you incur in a serious car accident can be overwhelming – and should not be ignored.
Your Medical Expenses
Your medical costs are likely to begin with emergency care at the scene and to move on to the following:
- Emergency transportation
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Follow-up care
- Treatment from doctors and specialists
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Pain management
Your Lost Earnings
As you heal, you’re very likely to miss work and to experience a deep cut in pay. If your injuries affect your ability to do your job moving forward, you can also experience a decrease in your earning potential into the future, or your career can even be derailed entirely.
Your Pain and Suffering
The anxiety, physical pain, and terror associated with being injured in a violent car accident can be difficult to overstate.
An Experienced St. Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you’ve suffered an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, turn to the dedicated St. Petersburg personal injury attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos. We take great pride in skillfully advocating for the legal rights and rightful compensation of clients like you. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (727) 441-9030 today.