A law passed by the Florida state legislature in 2012 makes changes to Florida’s Personal Insurance Protection, or PIP laws, which have been on the books since 1972. The changes were designed to combat insurance fraud, and they affect every Floridian. In theory, the new law should cause insurance premiums to drop, but it is still too early to tell if this will happen. At Joseph M. Maus & Associates we continue to monitor PIP law status.
Recent Court Orders Regarding PIP Changes
Chiropractors, acupuncturists, and licensed massage therapists in Leon County filed suit to have some of the new PIP provisions declared unconstitutional. In March 2013, the court issued a temporary injunction against parts of the new law. Specifically, the requirement of an “emergency medical condition” being a prerequisite to receiving PIP benefits was blocked. Though the governor appealed the ruling, the original plaintiffs have now challenged that, so the situation continues to unfold.
What Can Florida Residents Expect from These Changes
By January 2014, all PIP insurers have to submit a rate filing, and if they ask for less than a 25% reduction in premiums, they are required to submit an explanation justifying a smaller rate reduction. Insurers cannot write new PIP policies until such an explanation is submitted. According to the actuarial experts hired by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, consumers can ultimately expect PIP premium savings of 14% to 24.6%.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
If you are in an accident that you believe has caused a medical emergency, call 911 and worry about PIP rules later. Consider contacting a personal injury lawyer if you are unsure how to navigate PIP or whether negligence or recklessness of another party caused your injuries. Your injury lawyer can negotiate with insurers on your behalf if you so desire. (Read more about personal injury protection here)
Should You Call an Attorney?
Calling a personal injury lawyer is smart. At Joseph M. Maus & Associates, we’ll listen to your account of what happened and determine whether your situation warrants recovery of compensation for your injuries. Your injury lawyer can also determine whether you are entitled to compensation for lost wages and other associated costs. (Contact us here)