Let us help remind you of the new bill recently
approved by the Florida Legislature and expected to be signed
by Governor Rick Scott in the upcoming days, will change
the benefits automobile accident victims currently receive.
Currently, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays
up to $10,000 in medical benefits to anyone injured in an
auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. The injured
victim is free to receive medical attention from any
medical provider and at any time after the accident.
As a result of the new bill, a car accident victim must
receive treatment within 14 days in an ambulance or
hospital, or from a physician, osteopathic physician,
chiropractic physician or dentist. They can receive the
$10,000 medical benefit only if a physician, osteopathic
physician, dentist, supervised physician’s assistant or
advanced registered nurse practitioner determines that
the insured has an “emergency medical condition.” If not,
the PIP medical benefit is limited to $2,500. Also, there’s
no reimbursement for massage therapy or acupuncture.
If an injury surfaces after the 14-day window, motorists
will have to seek medical treatment through their health
insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. The injured person may
also present a claim for injuries against the at-fault party
or through their Uninsured Motorist policy.
As a result of this new law, it’s extremely important that
when someone is injured in an accident to seek medical
attention immediately. Waiting for the pain to subside
or feel better eventually will only lead to a lack of PIP
benefits.
