Florida PIP Lawyer

Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is supposed to help you get treatment quickly, without waiting for fault to be sorted out. In real life, many people run into the same problem: the bills show up fast, but the insurance company suddenly has “questions,” asks for more paperwork, or pays less than expected.

If your PIP benefits are delayed, reduced, or denied, Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys can step in, deal with the insurer, and push your claim forward. We have recovered millions and millions for injured people and their families, and we know how to pressure insurance companies that would rather protect profits than do the right thing.

Why Do People Choose Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys for PIP Help?

When you are hurt, you should be focused on getting better, not arguing with an adjuster about forms and billing codes. Our team takes that pressure off you and treats your case like it matters, because it does.

You can expect clear communication, practical guidance, and a strategy built around evidence. If the insurer is being unreasonable, we do not just “ask nicely” again. We build the file the right way, challenge weak denials, and escalate when needed. We fight to get you paid!

What Is Personal Injury Protection in Florida?

Personal Injury Protection, commonly referred to as PIP, is a type of insurance coverage intended to safeguard individuals who sustain injuries in an accident, irrespective of who is responsible for the incident.

According to Florida law, all motorists are mandated to maintain a minimum of $10,000 in PIP insurance coverage. This amount represents the highest sum the insurance provider will disburse per covered individual for eligible expenses. Numerous drivers choose to secure a higher limit than the state’s minimum requirement, which can offer extra protection in the event of a severe injury. Individuals involved in an accident are required to utilize their PIP benefits before seeking other forms of coverage, such as health insurance, or filing a claim against the party at fault. If your damages surpass the policy’s limit, you might have the option to submit a claim against the other driver’s insurance for further compensation.

In contrast to liability insurance, which solely addresses damages incurred by the other party in an accident, PIP insurance extends coverage to the policyholder and their passengers. It may also encompass any relatives of the policyholder residing with them, anyone permitted to drive their vehicle, and any pedestrians injured in the accident who lack their own policy. Pedestrians possessing PIP coverage can also utilize it to address their injuries if they are struck by a vehicle.

Although PIP is classified as no-fault insurance, there are specific situations where an otherwise eligible injured individual may be disqualified from receiving benefits. These scenarios include instances where the individual intentionally inflicts harm upon themselves or sustains an injury while engaging in a felony.

What Does Florida PIP Actually Pay For?

Florida Statute § 627.736 outlines the costs that PIP insurance will cover. According to this legislation, PIP pays for 80 percent of all “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses arising from a covered injury. This can encompass medical, surgical, X-ray, dental, and rehabilitation services.

Additionally, PIP provides 60 percent of disability benefits. This includes any loss of gross income and earning potential due to the accident’s effect on the injured individual’s ability to work. Also included in this category are tasks that the injured person previously performed without compensation for their household’s benefit but can no longer do because of their injury.

In the unfortunate event of a fatal accident, PIP offers $5,000 for each covered deceased individual. This specific limit is separate and does not contribute to the standard $10,000 cap. PIP death benefits assist with expenses related to the death, including funeral and burial expenses.

Why Does the 14-Day Rule Matter So Much?

Florida PIP rules include a strict time requirement for initial medical care. Waiting can hand the insurer an easy argument to deny benefits, even when you were truly injured.

If you feel “mostly okay” right after a crash, it is still smart to get evaluated. Pain and symptoms often show up later, especially with back injuries, concussions, and soft tissue trauma. A timely medical visit protects your health and strengthens your ability to access benefits.

When Is PIP Not Enough?

PIP is limited by design. Serious crashes create real-world losses that PIP simply cannot cover, like:

• Full wage loss when you cannot return to work
• Future medical care beyond the policy limit
• Pain, suffering, and the day-to-day impact of the injury
• Long-term disability and life changes

If your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for damages that go beyond PIP. This is often where a case becomes financially meaningful, especially when the injury has lasting effects.

What Are the Most Common Reasons Insurance Companies Reduce or Deny PIP?

Many denials are not about what really happened, they are about leverage. If the insurer can slow you down, they hope you will accept less.

Common problems include:

1. Claims that treatment was not “reasonable” or “necessary” – Insurers often challenge medical necessity, frequency of care, or billing practices.
2. Arguments about timing – Delayed care, gaps in treatment, or missed appointments can be used against you.
3. Emergency medical condition disputes – If the file does not contain the right EMC documentation, the insurer may treat the medical benefit as limited.
4. Recorded statements and “friendly” questions – Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement early, then later use a small inconsistency to justify reducing payment.
5. Paperwork traps – Missing wage forms, unclear employer verification, and incomplete medical authorizations can slow payment or trigger denials.

A good PIP claim is built, not hoped for. We focus on the details that insurers use to attack cases.

What Deadlines Apply to Florida PIP and Injury Claims?

Deadlines are crucial, and delaying action typically benefits the insurer, not you.

Here are some common time-related issues to consider:

14-Day Medical Treatment Deadline
This is a significant hurdle in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims.

Potential Lawsuit Deadlines
A PIP dispute is often viewed as a contract claim, which has a different time limit than a negligence lawsuit. If you also plan to file a claim against the at-fault driver, that deadline may be even shorter.

Practical Deadlines from the Process
Even if a legal deadline is months or years away, evidence can vanish quickly. Video footage may be overwritten, vehicles can be repaired, witnesses may relocate, and medical records can become harder to link to the accident.

Since deadlines can vary by case, it’s wise to consult a lawyer early on, even if you’re unsure about pursuing a lawsuit.

What Should You Do Right Now to Protect Your PIP Claim?

If you’ve recently experienced a crash, these steps can significantly help you:

1. Seek medical attention promptly.
   Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable.
2. Adhere to the recommended treatment plan.
   Insurance companies often use gaps in care to challenge claims.
3. Keep thorough records.
   Save all medical documents, prescriptions, mileage logs, out-of-pocket expenses, and notes about your symptoms.
4. Be cautious during insurance discussions.
   If you’re uncertain about how to respond, take a moment to seek advice before making any statements.
5. Consult a lawyer early on.
   Getting legal assistance right away can help you avoid unnecessary denials and delays.

How Can a Florida PIP Lawyer Help You?

If you were hurt in a car accident, a Florida PIP attorney can help you get the benefits you deserve from your PIP insurance. We will help you submit a claim to your insurance provider. We will also assist you in gathering the documents needed to connect your injuries to the incident.

Our team will also handle negotiations with your insurance company on your behalf, relieving you of the burden of direct interactions. We are well-versed in their tactics and understand how they might try to minimize or reject your claim, and we are dedicated to ensuring they do not prevail. Should your insurance provider refuse to honor a valid PIP claim, we are ready to initiate legal action to secure the compensation you deserve.

In numerous situations, your damages may surpass the limits of your PIP coverage. If this occurs, our Florida PIP attorneys can assist you in exploring further avenues for compensation, including pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.

Recommended reading

• Florida Car Crash Lawyer | Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys
• Florida Truck Accident Lawyer | Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys
• Florida Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers | Dennis Hernandez
• Florida Pedestrian Accidents | Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys
• Florida Insurance Claim Help
• Florida Statutes, PIP benefits (F.S. 627.736)