Does Florida PIP Insurance Cover Passengers in an Accident?
If you have been injured as a passenger in a car accident in Florida, you may be wondering who will pay for your damages. The good news is that PIP insurance in Florida does cover passengers in an accident. However, there are some limitations you should be aware of. Keep reading below to learn more about PIP coverage for passengers.
What Is PIP Coverage?
Like other states, Florida has mandatory insurance requirements that must be met to register a vehicle. Since Florida is a no-fault insurance state, PIP coverage is one of those requirements. PIP coverage is Personal Injury Protection, and it provides compensation for your injuries after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
In no-fault insurance states, liability is not determined prior to filing a claim for injury benefits. Each victim would file a claim with their own PIP coverage for their injuries. This allows injury victims to get compensation faster and helps reduce the number of accident claims that result in litigation.
Not only does PIP cover the policyholder, but it can also provide coverage for:
- Injured passengers
- Family members residing in the same household as the policyholder
- Any authorized driver of the vehicle
- Pedestrians who are injured in an accident with a covered vehicle
While PIP coverage has many great benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Keep reading to learn about some of its limitations.
PIP Coverage Limits
First, it is worth noting that PIP coverage does not cover 100% of your medical bills. It only pays for 80% of your “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses, up to $10,000. Additionally, PIP coverage generally only covers medical expenses and lost wages. It does not compensate injured victims for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
Some injury victims sustain well over $10,000 in damages, especially in cases involving catastrophic injuries. In those situations, PIP coverage may not be enough to compensate the victim for their injuries fully. A lawsuit against the at-fault driver may be required to make up the difference.
The other important limitation is that a driver’s PIP coverage does not cover passengers with their own PIP policy. For instance, suppose you own a vehicle and have your own PIP policy, but you are riding as a passenger in a friend’s vehicle when you are injured in an accident. Your friend’s PIP coverage would not pay for your injuries. Instead, you would need to file a claim with your own PIP insurance.
What if a Passenger Died in an Accident?
Unfortunately, some accidents result in permanent disabilities or even death. If a passenger dies in an accident, PIP may pay up to $5,000 in death benefits to the family of the deceased. This is in addition to the $10,000 it may pay for any expenses resulting from that victim’s final medical treatments.
For passengers who suffer long-term disabilities, PIP can pay for 60% of their lost wages while they are unable to work—up to a maximum of $10,000. This compensation can also be applied toward activities of daily living that they may be unable to perform, such as yard work, household cleaning, or child care.
Getting Compensation for Pain & Suffering After an Accident
In many cases, Florida law does not allow you to sue the at-fault driver after a car accident. Instead, you rely on your own PIP coverage for compensation for your injuries. However, in cases involving severe injuries or in those where PIP coverage is inadequate, you may have a right to file a claim against a third party.
When these types of claims are allowed, they can open the door to many types of non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
- PTSD
The best way to make sure you fully understand your legal rights after a car accident is to seek the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can evaluate your accident and injuries and advise you on maximizing your compensation.
Contact the Jacksonville Car Accident Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra car accident law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167