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Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Explained for Palm Beach Gardens Drivers
Living in Palm Beach Gardens means enjoying great weather, beautiful roads, and endless opportunities to explore the outdoors—but it also means understanding how personal injury protection in Florida works when accidents happen. As drivers in a no-fault state, we rely heavily on PIP benefits after a crash, and knowing these rules helps us protect ourselves and our families. At Hicks & Motto, we work closely with clients who need guidance navigating PIP claims, and understanding the role of a PIP attorney in Palm Beach Gardens can make a significant difference when benefits fall short.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?
Personal Injury Protection—better known as PIP—is mandatory auto insurance in Florida. This coverage pays for our medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Because personal injury protection in Florida follows a no-fault model, PIP allows us to receive quick access to care and financial support without waiting for liability investigations.
Why is PIP Insurance Important?
PIP benefits provide immediate relief during stressful moments. Since Florida restricts when we can sue another driver, PIP coverage often becomes our first and most important financial resource after a crash. Understanding what PIP covers—and what it doesn’t—is crucial, especially when we need the help of a PIP attorney in Palm Beach Gardens to recover additional compensation.
How Does PIP Insurance Work in Florida?
In Florida, every driver is required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. This coverage is intended to cover:
- 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- Death benefits up to $5,000
This means that if you’re injured in an accident, your PIP insurance will cover a portion of your medical bills, lost income, and funeral expenses, up to the limits of your policy.
Who is Covered Under PIP?
PIP insurance in Florida covers:
- The policyholder
- Passengers in the policyholder’s vehicle
- Pedestrians hit by the policyholder’s vehicle
This broad coverage ensures that all parties involved in an accident have access to necessary medical care without delay.
PIP Benefits and Their Limits
PIP benefits help, but they aren’t always enough—especially when injuries are severe or long-term treatment is needed. In many cases, medical bills rise well above the $10,000 limit. When that happens, we must understand our rights beyond PIP and when to bring in a PIP attorney in Palm Beach Gardens to pursue additional damages.
When PIP Is Not Enough
Limits are exhausted quickly when emergency treatment, imaging, physical therapy, or specialist care is required. Wage loss compounds the financial strain. When PIP cannot cover these costs, legal options outside the no-fault system may apply.
To better understand the personal injury process, here is a helpful resource you can explore.
Stepping Outside the No-Fault System
While Florida’s no-fault system aims to simplify the claims process, there are situations where you might be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This typically occurs when:
- You have sustained a serious injury, such as a significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, or significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Your medical expenses and other losses exceed your PIP coverage.
In situations like these, working with a knowledgeable PIP attorney in Palm Beach Gardens is essential. An attorney helps us collect evidence, document injuries, negotiate with insurers, and pursue compensation beyond what PIP provides.
The Role of a PIP Attorney
A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the no-fault system and determine when it’s appropriate to pursue a lawsuit. They can assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing your interests in court if necessary.
Choosing the Right PIP Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens
When we need support beyond PIP, having an experienced attorney becomes critical. The right PIP attorney in Palm Beach Gardens understands both Florida’s insurance statutes and the realities of no-fault coverage limits. Experience in negotiating and litigating personal injury cases makes a significant difference in the outcome.
At Hicks & Motto, we represent accident victims throughout Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding communities. Our team focuses on delivering clarity, protection, and strong advocacy to anyone struggling with PIP claims or injuries that fall outside the no-fault framework.
Understanding how personal injury protection Florida works is essential for every Palm Beach Gardens driver. While PIP provides important benefits, its limits often push us to seek additional help—especially when injuries are serious or long-term. When that happens, consulting a skilled PIP attorney in Palm Beach Gardens gives us the guidance and representation needed to recover the compensation we deserve.
To learn more about how we can support you through PIP claims and broader personal injury cases, get in touch with us today.
