Types of Auto Insurance to Pursue After a Florida Auto Accident

If you have been involved in a Florida auto accident, you may be wondering what types of insurance you can pursue to cover your losses. Florida has a complex and unique insurance system that requires drivers to carry certain types of coverage, but also allows them to seek additional compensation from other sources in some cases. In this article, we will explain the different types of insurance that may apply to your case, and how they can affect your recovery.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is the mandatory insurance that covers your own medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. The minimum PIP coverage in Florida is $10,000. PIP covers 80% of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses and 60% of your lost income, up to the limit of your policy. PIP also covers $5,000 for funeral expenses, if applicable.

PIP is the primary source of compensation for most Florida auto accident victims, as it pays for your losses without having to prove fault or liability. However, PIP also has some limitations and restrictions, such as:

• You have to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident, or you may lose your PIP benefits.
• You have to receive initial treatment from a licensed physician, dentist, chiropractor, or hospital, or from a paramedic or emergency medical technician. You cannot receive PIP benefits for treatment from a massage therapist or an acupuncturist.
• You can only receive PIP benefits for emergency medical conditions, which are defined as conditions that require immediate medical attention and could result in serious jeopardy to your health. If your condition is not an emergency, your PIP benefits are limited to $2,500².
• You may have to submit to an examination under oath or an independent medical examination by your PIP insurer, if requested. If you fail to cooperate, you may lose your PIP benefits².

Property Damage Liability (PDL)

Property Damage Liability (PDL) is the mandatory insurance that covers the damage you cause to other people’s property, such as their vehicles or buildings. The minimum PDL coverage in Florida is $10,000. PDL pays for the repair or replacement costs of the property you damage, up to the limit of your policy. PDL does not cover the damage to your own vehicle or property.

PDL is the primary source of compensation for the property damage you cause to others in an auto accident, as it pays for their losses without having to prove fault or liability. However, PDL also has some limitations and restrictions, such as:

• You have to report the accident to your PDL insurer as soon as possible, or you may lose your PDL benefits.
• You have to cooperate with your PDL insurer in the investigation and settlement of the claim, or you may lose your PDL benefits.
• You may have to pay a deductible, which is the amount of money you have to pay out of your own pocket before your PDL insurer pays for the rest of the claim.

Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)

Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) is the optional insurance that covers the injuries or death you cause to other people in an auto accident. BIL pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages of the people you injure up to the limit of your policy. BIL also pays for your legal defense costs, if you are sued by the injured parties. BIL does not cover the injuries or death of you or your passengers.

BIL is not required by law in Florida, but it is highly recommended, as it can protect you from being personally liable for the damages you cause to others in an auto accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) is the optional insurance that covers your injuries or death caused by an auto accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance. UM/UIM pays for the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that exceed the limits of the other driver’s PIP or BIL coverage, up to the limit of your policy. UM/UIM also covers your injuries or death caused by a hit-and-run driver or a phantom vehicle. UM/UIM does not cover the injuries or death of the other driver or their passengers.

UM/UIM is not required by law in Florida, but it is highly recommended, as it can protect you from being left with unpaid bills or uncompensated losses in an auto accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. However, UM/UIM also has some limitations and restrictions, such as:

• You have to report the accident to your UM/UIM insurer as soon as possible, or you may lose your UM/UIM benefits⁵.
• You have to cooperate with your UM/UIM insurer in the investigation and settlement of the claim, or you may lose your UM/UIM benefits⁵.
• You have to obtain the consent of your UM/UIM insurer before settling with the other driver or their insurer, or you may lose your UM/UIM benefits⁵. 

Collision and Comprehensive

Collision and Comprehensive are the optional insurance that cover the damage to your own vehicle or property in an auto accident. Collision pays for the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle if it is damaged by a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Comprehensive pays for the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle if it is damaged by something other than a collision, such as fire, theft, vandalism, flood, or animal. Collision and Comprehensive do not cover the damage to other people’s vehicle or property.

Collision and Comprehensive are not required by law in Florida, but they are highly recommended, as they can protect you from having to pay for the damage to your own vehicle or property in an auto accident.

Conclusion

As you can see, different types of insurance may apply to your Florida auto accident case, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. Depending on the circumstances of the crash and the extent of your injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation from one or more of these sources. However, navigating the complex and confusing insurance system can be challenging and frustrating, especially if you are dealing with multiple insurers, conflicting policies, and lowball offers.

That is why you need a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options, and advise you on how to purs ue the maximum compensation for your losses. A lawyer can also help you deal with the insurance companies or the other driver, who may try to deny or minimize your claim, or offer you a lowball settlement.

If you have been injured in a Florida auto accident, don’t hesitate to contact Brubaker Injury Law today and let us help you get the justice you deserve. Call us at (800) 817-9301 or visit our website at www.brubakerinjurylaw.com to schedule your free consultation. Brubaker Injury Law: We are here for you.