The new status of the PIP
The New PIP Statute and its Effects on Accident Victims:
The new Personal Injury Protection PIP Statute that was recently passed in Florida may be a win for insurance companies. The law places 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 personal 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 were involved in truck, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents, the old insurance statutes did not place 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 may significantly affect urgent care due to the strict classifications of injury protection and medical treatment. Individuals in need of medical care should seek treatment from an acceptable health care provider within two weeks. This can negatively affect anyone who needs more time to start medical care. Victims of drunk driving and those involved in pedestrian and bicycle accidents may need immediate care, but car accident victims may take longer to start treatment.
New guidelines in the PIP Statute also restrict coverage for several types of alternative treatments. Victims of car accidents and motorcycle accidents or anyone who sustains a spinal cord injury will only receive a $2,500 limit 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. Victims of motorcycle accidents and people involved in truck and bicycle accidents may have to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs.
Changes in PIP coverage can provide insurance companies with substantial monetary gains. Although the new law details a plan for the gradual reduction of rates, the savings for consumers are minimal compared to paying the premiums 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 medical 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 victims’ rights, you should contact an attorney immediately.