What the new PIP Law means to you

On January 1, 2013, new Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws were enacted in the state of Florida.  Those laws changed the rights of persons who were involved in motor vehicle accidents in the state of Florida.  Although pain from bodily injuries caused by negligent, at-fault drivers may not set in for days, weeks or months, if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in the state of Florida you now must seek medical attention within fourteen (14) days from the date of the accident.  If you do not seek medical attention within such timeframe, you will not be afforded PIP/No-Fault benefits which can reimburse you for your lost wages or pay for your medical treatment to treat your bodily injuries incurred as a result of the negligence of the at-fault driver.  Additionally, under the new PIP laws, a car insurance company can now decide not to afford an injured victim in a car accident their full $10,000 of PIP/No-Fault Benefits if the insurance company does not feel such that your injuries warrant an “Emergency Medical Condition”.  So although, you the consumer, pay your car insurance company premiums for the full amount of $10,000 in PIP benefits, you may only be able to use $2,500 in PIP benefits your car insurance company determines your injuries do not constitute an Emergency Medical Condition (as defined in Florida Statutes Chapter 627).