If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation beyond your PIP insurance coverage. Understanding your legal rights and options can help you pursue additional compensation for damages through a personal injury lawsuit, even if your medical bills were covered by PIP. Please continue reading as we explore the types of damages you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit and how our dedicated Manatee County Car Accident Lawyers can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
What is PIP?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault insurance that can cover medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident. Essentially, it provides compensation even if you caused the accident. Florida operates under a “no-fault” system. This means motorists can seek compensation from their own PIP insurance for their damages. It’s important to note that motorists in Florida are required to carry PIP. The minimum coverage every motorist must carry is $10,000.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After Being Compensated Through PIP?
Depending on the unique circumstances of your situation, you may be able to recover damages through both your PIP insurance and a personal injury lawsuit. Following an accident, file a claim as soon as possible. You should be approved for any medical costs you incur.
If the costs related to the accident exceed your coverage or you need compensation for additional expenses that are not covered through PIP, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s important to note that PIP only covers economic damages resulting from the injury you sustained in the collision. As such, even after collecting compensation through your PIP insurance, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit for your non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and more.
Do I Have to Pay My Insurance Provider Back?
When it comes to seeking additional damages through a personal injury lawsuit, an important consideration is that you may have to pay your insurance provider back. If your personal injury lawsuit results in an award of medical expenses that your provider has already covered, you will not receive additional compensation for those costs. However, you will not be required to repay your insurance provided you are awarded only for vehicle damage, non-economic losses, or expenses that have not been previously paid.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer from Becker & Lindauer, LLC, who can help you navigate your options and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.
