Florida’s No-Fault Insurance: How State Laws Impact Your Rights In A Bradenton Car Accident Claim

Springtime in Manatee County brings perfect weather, but it also means more drivers on the road. As people head to beaches and other local attractions, car accidents in Bradenton become more common.

If you are involved in a crash, you need to know what your policy covers and when filing a lawsuit is the better option. Our Bradenton car accident lawyer explains how no-fault insurance works in Florida.

How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law Apply After A Car Accident In Bradenton?

Florida is one of several states that follows a no-fault insurance system. Under the Florida Statutes, drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After a crash, your own PIP policy pays for:

• Up to 80 percent of all necessary medical expenses;
• Up to 60 percent of lost income due to your car accident injuries;
• Replacement services, such as childcare or housekeeping while you recover;
• $5,000 in death benefits, which can help surviving family members in the event of a fatal crash.

PIP coverage does not pay for vehicle repairs, but you may be able to get compensation for these costs through the other driver’s policy. Motorists are also required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). This pays for damage to other driver’s vehicles in the event of a crash.

When Can You Step Outside Florida’s No-Fault System and File a Lawsuit?

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports over 6,000 car accidents in Manatee County happen each year. While PIP and PDL insurance can help cover injuries and property damages in a minor crash, it may not cover the heavier financial losses associated with more serious car accidents in Bradenton.

Florida allows crash victims to step outside the no-fault system if their injuries meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold. This generally involves:

• Car accident injuries that cause permanent scarring or disfigurement;
• Injuries resulting in permanent loss of limb or bodily function;
• Other serious injuries as diagnosed by a physician, including brain or spinal cord injuries;
• Car accident injuries that result in the death of a loved one.

Filing a car accident lawsuit in Bradenton against the at-fault driver can help you recover additional damages not covered by insurance. This includes all of your current and future medical expenses and lost earnings, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, which insurers generally do not cover.

Get Trusted Legal Guidance From Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer Today

When car accidents in Bradenton happen, victims and their families often are unsure of what to do in the aftermath. To avoid settling for less than what you need to recover, contact Bradenton car accident lawyer Steven G. Lavely before making any statements to insurers or signing any document.

We fight to get the maximum amount of compensation possible in a claim, whether through insurers involved or a car accident lawsuit in Manatee County. To protect your rights, reach out today and request a consultation.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.736.html

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf