A skilled Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, like the ones at The Maus Law firm, knows the ins and outs of Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. All automobile owners must carry at least $10,000 in PIP insurance and another $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. Your PIP covers up to 80% of your medical bills after a car accident regardless of fault. Whether damage to your car or other property is covered by the person who caused the accident depends on their insurance coverage. (Read more about auto accident laws here)
Will PIP Cover Everything?
Don’t get the impression that if you’re in a car crash that’s the fault of another driver that their insurance will cover your expenses. You should contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney like those at Joseph M. Maus and Associates before signing off on any insurance settlement. You may be entitled to more than the insurer is offering.
Possible Fallout from New State Law
A January 1, 2013 change to Florida’s insurance laws drops PIP coverage from $10,000 to $2,500 for non-emergency medical treatment after a car accident. The Florida Justice Association is expecting an increase in lawsuits due to the change. An injured party taken to an emergency room will probably be eligible for the full $10,000 coverage, but there are no guarantees.
Fighting Insurance Fraud Under the New Law
The purpose of the new law was to fight insurance fraud, and it remains to be seen how successfully it does that. In the meantime, those with legitimate claims may face more hardship due to the limit on non-emergency treatment coverage. Calling a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney as soon as possible after being injured in a car accident is your smartest move.
What to do if You’re in an Automobile Accident
Experienced personal injury lawyers like those at Joseph M. Maus and Associates deal with the aftermath of car accidents regularly. If you need medical help, that is your first priority. After reporting the accident to police and other emergency responders, if you’re able to safely photograph the scene of the accident, do so. Contact a Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer at your first opportunity to ensure your rights are protected. (Contact us here)