If you drive in Florida, you've probably heard the state is "no-fault." But most people don't know what that actually means until they're hurt in a crash — and by then, the details matter a lot.
In a no-fault state, your own auto insurance pays your initial medical bills and lost wages after a crash — regardless of who caused it. That's what Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is for. Every Florida driver is required to carry at least $10,000 of it.
PIP typically pays 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages, up to that $10,000 cap. What it does not cover is just as important: it won't pay for your pain and suffering, and $10,000 disappears fast with a serious injury.
To use your PIP benefits at all, you generally must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. Wait longer and you can lose access to those benefits entirely — so see a doctor promptly, even if you feel okay.
Here's the part insurers don't advertise: if your injuries are serious enough — permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or major loss of a bodily function — you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue the at-fault driver for your full damages, including pain and suffering. That's often where the real recovery is.
PIP is a starting point, not the whole picture. If your injuries are significant, don't assume $10,000 is all you can get. A free case review can tell you whether you qualify to pursue the at-fault driver for much more.
Marshall personally reviews every case and returns calls the same day. No fee unless we recover for you.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; for advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney.