The new PIP statute and its effects on accident victims:
The new PIP statute for personal injury protection that was recently passed in Florida may be a win for insurance companies. The law sets new limits on the amount of benefits a person can receive, as well as the amount of money awarded during a claim. This can result in substantial out-of-pocket expenses for people involved in pedestrian and bicycle accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents. The course of the litigation may also be affected due to the new PIP provisions.
The large number of personal injury lawsuits filed in the past may be the cause of the new legislative changes. Whether people have been involved in truck, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents, the old insurance statutes did not set limits on certain aspects of coverage. Limits on attorneys’ fees and restrictions on medical treatment were not clearly defined in recent PIP laws. As a result, many insurance companies increased their rates in response to the increase in PIP claims.
This new law can significantly affect urgent care due to the strict classifications of protection against injuries and medical treatment. Individuals in need of medical attention should seek treatment from an acceptable healthcare provider within two weeks. This can negatively affect anyone who needs a longer period of time to initiate medical care. Drunk driving victims and people involved in pedestrian and bicycle accidents may need immediate attention, but car accident victims may take longer to begin treatment.
New guidelines in the PIP Statute also restrict coverage for various types of alternative treatments. Victims of car accidents and motorcycle accidents or anyone who suffers a spinal cord injury will only receive a limit of $ 2,500 for all treatment if the victim does not receive treatment within 14 days of the car accident under the new law . Acupuncture, massage therapy, and other holistic treatments are completely omitted from PIP coverage. Motorcycle accident victims and people involved in truck and bicycle accidents may have to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses.
Changes in PIP coverage can provide insurance companies with substantial monetary gains. Although the new law spells out a plan for the gradual reduction of rates, the savings are minimal for consumers compared to paying the premium in full. When it comes to more serious damages, such as a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, the 25% rate reduction may do little for the victim’s wallet. Because the amount of medical benefits has decreased, an injured party may need to use their primary health insurance to cover treatment.
People involved in accidents have rights that must be protected due to the nature of the new PIP law. A qualified attorney will put the victim first. A decrease in funding for policyholders should not affect the type of therapy, treatment or legal protection a person receives. If you have any questions about this new law and about the rights of victims, you should contact a legal attorney immediately.