Miami Injury Lawyer Blog
The Florida Legislature has finally reached a deal regarding Governor Rick Scott’s proposed Personal Injury Protection (PIP) reform. “This is a triumphant moment for the residents of Florida. Members of the Legislature heard our cal to put Floridians ahead of special interests and combat the fraud that has become a billion dollar tax on drivers,” Scott stated.
PIP refers to Florida’s no-fault car insurance program. The new program will continue to require $10,000 in minimum coverage, which can be used by anyone seriously injured in a car accident. However, now, victims with moderate, also know as “soft-tissue,” injuries can only collect up to $2,500 worth of benefits. Additionally, chiropractors remain part of the PIP system and victims have up to 14 days to seek treatment. The state plans to complete an actuarial study of the new PIP law to determine how much money policyholders will actually save. Following the completion of the survey, insurance companies will adjust their rates to meet the new threshold requirements. Insurers claimed “PIP far outpaces what they receive in premiums, so it may be hard to pass along those savings in the short term.” Regardless, insurers are open to the reform and will work within the confines of the bill.
Scott spent the end of the week trying to convince senators to accept the reform after several senators complained that too many concessions were being made. “The compromise required both chambers to concede on some hot-button issues, such as attorney fee caps, requiring insurance companies to roll back rates and allowing insurance companies to examine policyholders under oath when investigating potential fraud.” Gov. Scott’s PIP reform was narrowly passed in the Senate, with a 22-17 vote, but flew through the House with an 80-34 vote.
Lawmakers pass PIP reform, www.miamiherald.com March 09, 2012.
Personal injury protection is something every insured driver is required to carry. PIP is used to cover medical expenses for injuries that result from an automobile accident. Often PIP insurers try to avoid paying out medical claims. It is important that you understand your rights and that you receive your benefits from the insurance companies. The Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona are knowledge about the new PIP reforms. Additionally, the Broward personal injury attorneys have dedicated the past twenty years to helping accident victims recover compensation for their medical expenses. If you have been injured in an auto accident and your insurance company is giving you the run around, call the South Miami motor vehicle accident lawyers at (305) 661-2008 today for your free consultation!
The Miami Beach motor vehicle accident attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types personal injury cases throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury claims, including wrongful death, defective products, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents and construction site injuries. Call today and let our family take care of your family.