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2011 West Cleveland Street, Tampa, Florida 33606

Tampa Attorneys Know the Ins & Outs of Florida No-Fault Insurance Laws

Ability to see both sides of case benefits seriously injured clients

The attorneys at Larson Johnson, PL are extremely knowledgeable about Florida’s no-fault car insurance laws and committed to recovering the maximum possible compensation for clients seriously injured in car crashes.

Our traffic accident lawyers bring a unique perspective to these cases. Having previously represented auto insurance companies and their insureds, all our lawyers leverage that experience and knowledge of how insurance companies operate to provide our clients with effective representation.

Florida requires all vehicles be insured

All Florida drivers are required to buy auto insurance from insurers licensed in Florida. They must carry a policy with a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and $10,000 in property damage liability benefits, which pays for the physical damage caused by the insured to others involved in the accident.

According to a report prepared by the Florida Senate’s Committee on Banking and Insurance, the standard PIP policy, which must be offered with a deductible of up to $1,000, pays the insured:

  • 80 percent of all reasonable expenses for medically necessary medical services;
  • 60 percent of disability benefits for any loss of gross income and earning capacity per individual from inability to work proximately caused by the injury in the auto accident;
  • 100 percent of replacement services (e.g., child care, housekeeping, and yard work)
  • A $5,000 per individual death benefit.

Florida law allows limited alternatives to the standard PIP policy. For example, insurers may offer PIP limits above $10,000 or increased PIP medical benefits at 100 percent and increased lost wages at 80 percent.

Other than PIP and property damage no other coverage is required by Florida law. While insurance companies in general may not require the purchase any optional coverage, many motorists choose to purchase additional coverage, including:

  • Bodily injury liability — This protects drivers at fault for causing bodily injury to others by paying the medical bills and lost wages of the injured party up to the policy limits. If the insured is sued, it also covers legal representation and payment of attorneys’ fees. While it is not mandated by the state, many insurers will not write a policy limited to personal injury protection and property damages unless bodily injury coverage is also included.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage — This provides additional PIP benefits if the insured is hit by a driver who does not have any insurance or who does not have enough insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages, after PIP coverage is exhausted, and includes payment for pain and suffering. While Florida does not mandate drivers have this coverage, it must be offered by an insurer at the time a policy is purchased. You can decline, but any declination of UM benefits must strictly comply with the specific requirements of Florida law.
  • Collision and comprehensive — Collision covers repair or replacement of the insured vehicle, regardless of who causes the accident. Comprehensive coverage pays for losses from incidents other than collision such as hitting an animal, fire, theft, falling objects, vandalism, etc.
  • Accidental death and dismemberment — This provides coverage regardless of fault, up to the policy limits, for death and loss of a limb or limbs.
  • Other popular optional coverage includes medical payments coverage, and coverage for towing of the insured’s car and rental reimbursement, both of which are usually limited up to a specific amount.

Call for a free consultation with Tampa lawyers knowledgeable about insurance matters

At Larson Johnson, PL, our attorneys bring an in-depth knowledge of the insurance claim process and have a proven record of successfully resolving even the most difficult, complex cases. Contact us online or call us 813-867-2055 at now for a free initial consultation with the highly qualified lawyers skilled at maximizing recovery on behalf of our clients throughout Tampa and the state of Florida.

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