In many states, getting money for repairs and medical bills after a car accident means negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. However, Florida works a bit differently because it is a no-fault state. Here’s what you should know before you contact a West Palm Beach car accident attorney to discuss your situation.
Florida Is a No-Fault State
Under Florida law, every driver on the road is expected to maintain their own car insurance at all times. If the driver is in a car accident, they’re required to file a claim with their insurance provider regardless of whether someone else caused the accident. If they’re involved in an accident and can alleviate the frustration and stress of working with other drivers’ insurance providers just to get the money you need to pay your medical costs. This insurance is known as personal injury protection coverage or PIP.
PIP Insurance Explained
PIP insurance is designed to help cover the cost of your injuries if you’re injured in a car accident. It kicks in regardless of who is at fault for the accident, and every driver in Florida is required to have this coverage in place. Failure to maintain PIP insurance could get you a ticket and a hefty fine.
As mentioned earlier, you’re required to file a claim with your insurance provider regardless of who is responsible for the accident.
Who Covers Repairs to the Vehicles Involved?
If your car is damaged in the wreck, you’ll still need to file a claim with your insurance provider even if someone else is responsible for the crash. Damage done to your car should fall under your car insurance’s collision coverage. This coverage only provides money for damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident.
You may also be able to get money from the at-fault driver’s property damage liability (PDL) coverage. This coverage is designed to provide money to help other drivers pay for repairs if you’re determined to be at fault for the accident. All drivers are required to have this coverage per state law, just like PIP insurance. Again, the amount of money you’ll receive from the other driver’s PDL policy will depend on their coverage limits and the severity of the damage done to your vehicle.
What Happens if Your Insurance Isn’t Enough?
If your insurance policy’s coverage limits don’t provide enough money to fully compensate you for your injuries and damages, and the other driver’s PDL coverage limits are too low, you may be able to sue the driver responsible for the accident. To be successful, you’ll need to work with an experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyer.
They’ll help you compile the necessary evidence and documentation to show that you’re entitled to additional damages from the at-fault driver. If you’re unable to settle the case out of court, they can represent your case before a judge.
Keep in mind that filing a lawsuit is never a guarantee that you’ll get additional money. It just makes it a possibility, and with experienced legal representation, you’ll increase your chances of being successful.
Work With a West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been in an accident with another driver and know that you’re not at fault for the crash, filing a claim with your insurance provider and the other driver’s provider for their PDL coverage is a great place to start. But if your expenses are more severe than what your insurance covers, you may be able to take the other driver to court. Work with an experienced West Palm Beach car accident attorney at Winegar Law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.