Have you ever been in an accident in Florida, or know someone who has? Perhaps, you live in Florida and are looking to be more versed in the rules of the road. While we won’t dive into the full rulebook in this blog, our Jacksonville lawyer is going to dive into one of the more unique laws that apply to Florida drivers involved in a car crash.
Jacksonville Lawyer Explains No-Fault in a Nutshell
In summary, “no-fault” means that if you’re in a car accident, each person’s insurance company will pay for their own medical costs and certain other losses, no matter who was at fault. It’s meant to reduce the number of lawsuits filed over minor car accidents.
Key Aspects of Florida’s No-Fault Laws
Your PIP Coverage: As a Florida resident, you are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This covers medical bills, a portion of lost wages, and death benefits – up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the crash.
Damage to Others: You also need property damage liability insurance. This pays for damages you might cause to someone else’s property.
Lawsuit Restrictions: Under the no-fault system, you can’t sue the other driver solely because of the accident. You must have significant injuries in order to pursue a civil lawsuit.
What This Means for You as a Driver
As a Florida driver, it’s important to understand that your PIP insurance only covers a portion of your total damages in an accident. You may still be responsible for costs that exceed your PIP coverage. Additionally, PIP does not compensate for pain and suffering. For serious injuries, consulting with a lawyer or attorney to understand your rights and options becomes crucial.
Dealing with Accidents in Florida
Got into an accident? Quickly file a claim with your insurance. Your PIP covers you, your immediate family, certain passengers who don’t own a car, and individuals driving the vehicle with your permission. But, trust us, dealing with insurance claims can get messy, especially when it comes to how much they’ll pay, and how long it will take, so get a lawyer involved to help settle the case.
Jacksonville Lawyer Who Can Help With No-Fault Claims
These no-fault laws are meant to make things simpler after a car accident, but they’ve got their drawbacks. Understanding these laws is super important as a Florida driver. If you ever find yourself scratching your head over a no-fault situation, contact our team of experts for guidance.