What If My PIP Coverage Isn’t Enough to Cover My Medical Bills?

What Does PIP Cover in Florida?

Florida’s PIP insurance covers:

  • 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses
  • 60% of lost wages
  • $5,000 death benefit

The maximum payout is $10,000, and in some cases, only $2,500 if a qualified medical professional does not classify the injury as an emergency medical condition (EMC).

Turn to Your Health Insurance

If your medical bills surpass the PIP limit, your health insurance can help cover the remaining costs. However, you may face:

  • Deductibles and co-pays
  • Out-of-network fees (if you must see specialists or certain facilities)

Keeping accurate records of all your medical treatments and expenses is crucial to streamlining health insurance claims.

Explore Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage from the At-Fault Driver

Although Florida does not legally mandate bodily injury liability insurance (BI) for all drivers (unless they are found at fault and have had certain circumstances in the past), many people carry it. If the other driver in your accident has BI coverage, you could:

  • File a third-party claim against their insurance for costs beyond your PIP limit.
  • Potentially recover compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages, especially if your injury meets Florida’s serious injury threshold (significant/permanent injury or disfigurement).

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

  • If the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance (or at all), you may turn to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your policy. UM/UIM coverage helps fill the gap left by the at-fault driver’s lack of adequate bodily injury coverage. Many Floridians do not realize they have UM/UIM since it’s often offered as an optional coverage. Reviewing your policy or speaking with your insurance agent can clarify your coverage limits.

Consider Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When insurance options do not fully compensate your losses, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit can allow you to:

  • Pursue compensation for extensive medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
  • Potentially recover more than insurance policy limits in some circumstances, though actual recovery depends on the at-fault party’s assets or umbrella policies.

Tip: Working with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney is crucial if you are considering a lawsuit. Our attorneys can guide you through Florida’s complex personal injury laws, negotiate with insurers, and advocate in court if necessary.

Example: When PIP Falls Short

After a rear-end crash in Tampa, a 35-year-old woman suffered a herniated disc requiring surgery. Her PIP coverage paid just $10,000, but her medical expenses exceeded $65,000.

With the help of a personal injury lawyer, she pursued a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability policy, ultimately recovering $175,000 in compensation, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Get Help When PIP Isn’t Enough

It’s no secret that medical bills can escalate quickly after an accident, and relying solely on Florida’s minimum PIP coverage may leave you with hefty out-of-pocket expenses. Whether you turn to your health insurer, explore bodily injury coverage from the at-fault driver, or pursue a personal injury lawsuit, acting promptly to protect your legal rights and financial well-being is essential.