Florida Car Accident PIP and PDL Requirements
Florida’s high-volume roadways necessitate comprehensive car insurance coverage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) safeguards policyholders against medical expenses and lost wages following an accident, regardless of fault attribution. Property Damage Liability (PDL) ensures coverage for repairs to others’ property in the event of an at-fault collision. These minimum requirements provide a vital financial safety net for all parties involved in an accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of car insurance that offers benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits following a traffic accident, irrespective of who caused it. This insurance aims to cover various costs directly associated with injuries sustained in vehicular incidents:
- Coverage Amount: Florida law mandates a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection coverage.
- What It Covers: PIP insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits regardless of who is at fault in an accident.○ Medical benefits cover 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to the limit of $10,000.○ Disability benefits cover 60% of any lost income and earning capacity resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.
○ Death benefits provide a $5,000 payment per individual in addition to the medical and disability benefits.
- Who It Covers: PIP covers the policyholder, relatives residing in the same household, individuals operating the insured vehicle, passengers who do not have their own PIP coverage, and individuals struck by the insured vehicle while not inside an enclosed vehicle.
Property Damage Liability (PDL)
Property Damage Liability (PDL) is a component of auto insurance that covers the cost of damage to someone else’s property resulting from an accident for which you or a family member driving your vehicle are responsible. This insurance is crucial for covering expenses related to repairing or replacing damaged items, including other vehicles and various types of property:
- Coverage Amount: Florida law mandates that drivers carry a minimum of $10,000 in Property Damage Liability.
- What It Covers: PDL insurance pays for damages that you or members of your family cause (and are liable for) to another person’s property in a car accident. This typically includes damage to other vehicles, but it can also include property such as buildings, fences, and equipment.
- Who It Covers: PDL covers the damages caused by the policyholder or any driver authorized to operate the insured vehicle.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
- Florida’s No-Fault Law: Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that PIP insurance allows policyholders to receive medical benefits from their own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. This system is designed to reduce the need for litigation.
- Proof of Insurance: Drivers are required to have proof of both PIP and PDL insurance to register a vehicle in Florida.
- Continuous Coverage: Insurance must be maintained continuously throughout the registration period, regardless of whether the vehicle is being used.
- Non-Residents: Non-residents who accept employment or engage in a trade, profession, or occupation in Florida, or who enroll their children in a public school in Florida, must also have a Florida policy complying with the PIP and PDL requirements.
The Importance of having a Florida Personal Injury Attorney on your side
A personal injury attorney in Florida can be crucial in a car accident. They can guide you through PIP claims to get the most out of your medical expenses and lost wage coverage. They can also advise on property damage beyond your PDL coverage and fight for compensation for pain and suffering not covered by PIP, especially if the other driver was mostly at fault. A Bradenton personal injury attorney can help you deal with insurance companies and ensure you get the financial recovery you deserve.
Why Shapiro Law Group, P.A. Should Be Your First Call
Car accidents demand experienced legal representation. Shapiro Law Group, P.A. combines deep knowledge of Florida law with a dedication to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. They understand the stress and uncertainty that follows an accident, and their team will guide you through every step of the legal process. Their priority is securing your rights and the compensation necessary for your recovery. When you need a Florida personal injury attorney, start with Shapiro Law Group, P.A. Contact us today for support you can count on.
