If you are a Florida driver, you need to know Florida’s PIP 14-day rule. Medical insurance coverage is essential for you and your family. Medical coverage is the peace of mind that you can take care of any future health problems. On the other hand, it can be very stressful if your family members get injured and you cannot pay for their medical treatment. Sometimes, one may end up borrowing and incurring huge debts to repay after paying hefty medical bills. This was the thinking behind Florida state PIP law. Personal Injury Protection or PIP is mandatory coverage that you need to have on your vehicle in order to drive in Florida. In recent years, the legislature has complicated this insurance protection with Florida’s PIP 14-day rule. 

So, what is the 14-day rule?

To begin with, Personal injury protection (PIP) is an insurance policy also known as no-fault insurance. The state of Florida established the policy after the realization of the high number of car accidents causing injuries on the roads. For this reason, injured car drivers needing medical services after an accident have insurance whether they caused the accident or not.

Initially, insurance companies did not adequately compensate drivers. In case of an accident, they used the court system to delay or deny drivers compensation. Insurance companies provide injured drivers with at least $10,000 compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, mileage, and death benefits.  Injured drivers will be compensated for these losses regardless of who was at fault.

How does Florida PIP 14-day rule work?

Florida’s PIP 14-day rule actually limits your insurance coverage unless you see a doctor within the first 14 days after your accident. This policy passed in 2012.  

To be eligible for the entire PIP coverage you purchased under Florida’s PIP 14-day rule, you must act as follows. You must seek medical attention from a licensed healthcare facility. You must do so within 14 days after the accident. Finally, a medical professional must diagnose you with an Emergency Medical Condition. You may still see a doctor after 14 days. However, your benefits will be reduced from $10,000.00 to $2,500.00. The fact you already paid for full coverage is irrelevant.

Often after a car accident, people do not realize how severely they have been injured. They hope the aches and pains will go away with time and only later realize they may be permanent. It’s always a good idea to get a medical check-up immediately after the accident, even if you think you are not badly injured.  Taking this small step will preserve your medical coverage benefits in the event you need them later. Now you know Florida’s PIP 14-day rule.

If your insurer fails to honor your PIP coverage, call an experienced attorney like those at Sherris Legal P.A. to file your claim.