New PIP Law Gouges Benefits For Accident Injuries And Lets Insurance Companies Off The Hook.
It looks like the Florida insurance industry will be having a great year. To bad the boost in profits may come off the backs of those injured in car crashes and auto accidents.
In 2012 the Florida legislature voted to approve new laws aimed at reducing insurance fraud in the state. Auto insurance fraud is a real problem in Florida however the trouble is, the sweeping new PIP changes basically address the problems by reducing benefits for everyone.
The new law will have the practical effect of making the law-abiding vast majority of the insurance industries customers pay for the crimes of a very small percentage.
The particular part of insurance under the scalpel is PIP (personal injury protection). Under the old law, PIP rules required the insurance policy that says drivers are required to carry at least $10,000 of coverage for injuries that result from accidents even if the accident is the driver's fault.
Well with the new that PIP coverages have been gutted a now a paltry $2,500 of coverage is all that is required. If you have been seriously injured and require any amount of emergency room medical care $2,500 will hardly be enough.
For instance if, doctors feel you need an MRI scan, that procedure alone costs on average $1,500. Good luck getting patched up for $1000. Additionally any claim of injury must be filed within 14 days of the accident, otherwise the insurance company is free and clear from any responsibility.
It may sound strange but many times people involved in accidents may not realize the extent of their injuries until later. many times and injured driver Injuries to the brain, and joints or internal organs can not become fully apparent until some time after the accident. Well now, if clinical depression sets in due to suffering a blow to the head and is not diagnosed within the 14 days time your going to be out of luck.
To get the new laws passed the insurance industry is supposed to reduce premiums - 10% in 2013 and 25% in 2014. Sounds great except for one little problem- they can provide documentation that allows lets them be exempt from reducing premiums. In other words they will have to provide FAR less coverage and get out of reducing your premiums.
If you have been injured in a accident now more than ever it is essential to contact a auto accident lawyer to protect your rights. An experienced personal injury law firm will be able to pursue your case and if need be take the case to court where a jury of your peers will decide on compensation - not the insurance company.
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