When You Can Go Beyond PIP
Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system is designed to get certain bills paid quickly after a car accident, no matter who caused it. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is at the heart of this system, and all Florida drivers are required to carry it.
But while PIP is an important form of immediate relief, it’s not always enough. So, in some cases, the law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. If you are interested in this option, connect with a Miami personal injury lawyer. Knowing when going beyond PIP is possible can make a big difference in your financial recovery.
PIP Basics and the Injury Threshold
PIP covers a percentage of your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, up to your policy limit (which is often $10,000). It doesn’t matter who caused the crash, your own insurance pays first. This can be a lifeline for covering initial hospital visits, diagnostic tests, and missed workdays. Yet PIP is limited, it does not pay for property damage, and it does not include compensation for non-economic damages like emotional distress.
There is a specific threshold in place that must be met before you can file a liability claim or lawsuit against an at-fault driver for damages beyond PIP. To step outside the no-fault system, your injury must involve at least one of the following:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of life
If your situation meets the legal definition of serious injury, you can seek full compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Why Going Beyond PIP Matters Financially
PIP is limited in both scope and amount. Medical bills from surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment can quickly exceed $10,000. Lost wages can mount if you are unable to work for months, and PIP typically only covers a portion of those losses.
Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries are not serious enough to qualify. Medical documentation, testimony from treating physicians, and thorough evidence of your limitations are essential in proving your case. Professionals who regularly work on car accident injury claims can help you gather this proof, work with medical experts, and push back against insurers who want to keep you in the no-fault system.
It is well understood that PIP is a starting point when it comes to financial recovery, but it’s not always the finish line. Stepping beyond no-fault can mean accessing far greater compensation. This can be the difference between partial relief and a truly fair recovery. After sustaining an injury in a Miami car accident, consult a seasoned Miami personal injury lawyer. Attorneys are available to evaluate your case and guide you toward the maximum recovery allowed under Florida law.
Were you injured in a traffic incident? Share the details of your situation and the expenses you have with the experienced attorneys at Spencer Morgan Law. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.