Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims in Florida

Put Our Trusted Car Accident Attorneys on Your Side

On January 1, 2013, significant changes to Florida’s personal injury protection (PIP) automobile insurance law went into effect. PIP insurance, also known as “no-fault” insurance, is mandatory for all Florida drivers.

Below, we summarize some of the new changes to the PIP automobile insurance law and how your rights to PIP insurance benefits may be affected. For a free consultation with a Florida car accident lawyer at Michles & Booth, call us at 850-438-4848 or contact us online.

14-Day Time Limit to Receive Initial Medical Care

You will no longer be entitled to receive any PIP medical benefits unless you receive initial medical care within 14 days after your motor vehicle accident. Initial medical care can be obtained through an ambulance, a hospital, an acute care clinic owned by a hospital, or through a licensed physician, chiropractic physician, or dentist.

Reduction in PIP Medical Benefits From $10,000 to $2,500 Unless You Had an Emergency Medical Condition

The total amount of PIP medical benefits available will be reduced from $10,000 to $2,500 unless you had an “emergency medical condition.” An “emergency medical condition” is defined as a condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, which may include severe pain, such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in any of the following:

• Serious jeopardy to patient health;
• Serious impairment to bodily functions; or
• Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.

Only a physician, physician assistant, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or a dentist can determine that you have an emergency medical condition for purposes of PIP reimbursement.

Limitations on Reimbursable Follow-Up Medical Care

You will no longer be entitled to receive any PIP medical benefits unless you receive initial medical care within 14 days after your motor vehicle accident. Initial medical care can be obtained through an ambulance, a hospital, an acute care clinic owned by a hospital, or through a licensed physician, chiropractic physician, or dentist.

Massage Therapy & Acupuncture No Longer Reimbursable

Massage therapy and acupuncture treatments will no longer be reimbursable PIP benefits regardless of who provides the treatment. Any treatment received from a licensed massage therapist or a licensed acupuncturist will not be reimbursable from your PIP insurance.

Examinations Under Oath & Independent Medical Examinations

Your PIP insurer may require you to sit for an examination under oath (EUO) or an independent medical exam (IME) in order to receive PIP benefits.

Effective Date of New PIP Law Changes

The January 1, 2013, changes to the PIP automobile insurance law will be in full force regardless of whether they are included in your automobile insurance policy, and insurers are not required to amend their policy forms or notify you or your health care providers for the changes to be implemented.

Contact Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you are the victim of an automobile accident and have questions regarding your legal rights, contact Michles & Booth today for a free consultation. We have offices located in Pensacola, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and Tampa and are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Request your free initial consultation by calling 850-438-4848 or by submitting a free online case evaluation form.