Florida has unique insurance policies when it comes to car accidents. These policies are easier to understand if you’re familiar with the traffic laws in Florida. Still, Florida is a unique state in that they have a “No-Fault” car insurance policy. Our team of lawyers in Jacksonville can help break down what “No-Fault” means and how it affects insurance in Florida.
What Does “No-Fault” Mean?
“No-Fault” simply means that when you’re in an accident, insurance pays for your medical bills. Insurance will pay these bills no matter who caused the accident. There’s another term for this used in Florida, it’s called “Personal Injury Protection” or PIP Insurance. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) requires everyone to have at least $10,000 in PIP insurance. The reason they instate this is to cover your medical bills even if the crash was your fault.
Advantages of No-Fault Insurance
- Quick Medical Help: You can get medical help faster because there’s no arguing about who’s to blame for the accident and who is going to pay.
- Less Legal Hassle: No-fault can reduce the number of lawsuits for small accidents.
- Speedy Payments: PIP insurance ensures you get money quickly to cover your medical bills and lost wages if you can’t work due to an accident.
Challenges and Limits
However, there are some downsides to the no-fault system:
- Limited Coverage: PIP insurance might not cover all your medical expenses if your injuries are severe. If it’s possible, you might have to sue the other driver’s insurance if your bills are more than $10,000.
- Fraud Concerns: Some people try to cheat the system for money, which can make insurance more expensive for everyone. Florida has been working to stop this but rates are still on the higher end.
- Difficult Claim Filing: Understanding when, and how, to use PIP insurance can be difficult. Read more on how to file a PIP insurance claim, here.
Call Our Lawyers in Jacksonville For Support
As you can see above, no-fault insurance has its pros and cons. If you were in a car accident and have questions on coverage or need legal representation, call our traffic lawyers in Jacksonville. We’ve represented thousands of clients for DUI, CDL and everyday driver tickets and accidents. We can help review your options for your case and walk you through steps/expectations throughout the legal process. Contact us today!