7 Things You Must know About Changes in Florida PIP Laws

Florida’s PIP laws have been restructured to provide cheaper car insurance rates and a reduction in fraud cases. Sweeping changes have been made by the Florida Legislature that will affect how accidents and injuries are handled. Every Florida driver is required to have PIP coverage in the minimum amount of $10,000 to pay medical benefits and lost wages regardless of fault for causing the accident.

Although this policy was designed to provide protection for drivers, the new changes may not provide much benefit. Be an informed consumer and don’t be caught off guard without knowing the law.

Here is a quick breakdown of the PIP changes:

*Time Limits on seeking treatment. Prior to the change, individuals involved in auto accidents did not have time limits for filing claims and seeking medical attention. However, the new Florida PIP law creates time limits in which to seek medical treatment after an auto accident, regardless of circumstance. Individuals needing medical attention have a 14-day window in which to seek treatment or forfeit their chance to get their medical expenses covered.

*Limits placed on who can treat patients. The first medical evaluation after an accident must be performed by a licensed medical doctor, dentist, Chiropractor or in a licensed hospital or medical facility.

*Changes in who can provide treatment. The law changes who can establish emergency medical conditions and who can administer treatment. A Chiropractor can no longer diagnose an emergency medical condition, but can provide treatment. Treatment can also be done by physical therapists, nurse practitioners, osteopathic physicians and dentists. Massage therapists and acupuncturists are now excluded from this list.

*No coverage. If your injuries are not diagnosed and evaluated at your initial medical visit, they will not be covered under your existing policy. Even if you are within the 14-day window, if you do not have a valid assessment, you won’t be covered. It’s best to tell your medical professional everything that happened, what hurts and have them evaluate potential injuries that could appear at a later time.

*Reduced payments. Benefit payments are now being reduced based on your medical diagnosis. Based on your sustained injuries, you may not qualify for the full medical and lost wage benefits of $10,000.00. This is very important to know and understand. Your medical diagnosis will be the determining factor in whether or not you get full coverage for your losses and injuries. An emergency medical condition will be classified under whether or not you have sustained injuries that may put your health in jeopardy or involves the loss of body organs or functions. Anything other than that will probably be classified as a less severe injury.

*Less severe injuries are assessed differently. The new Florida PIP law has also provided changes in the ways injuries are assessed and how medical payments are disbursed. Injuries such as soft-tissue damage or other ailments that are deemed minor will be covered up to $2,500. Only emergency medical conditions will be covered up to $10,000.

*Reduction in premiums. Consumers should experience a ten percent reduction in premiums as a result of the new law to provide relief for consumers in paying insurance premiums.

Taking the time to review the changes in the Florida PIP law now can save you a lot of stress if involved in a car accident. Be an informed consumer and make sure you understand what an emergency medical condition is and how policy changes will affect you.

For more information on the new Florida PIP law changes and how it affects your accident, call me at 813-915-1110, 24/7.