Have you recently been in a car accident in Florida and found out that your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim has been denied by your insurance company? It can be frustrating to deal with, especially when you’re recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.
In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why insurers deny PIP claims in Florida. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid these pitfalls so that you can receive the compensation you deserve. If you need help navigating this complex process, reach out to an experienced Florida car accident lawyer for guidance.
Insurance Requirements for Drivers in Florida
If you own and operate a motor vehicle in Florida, it is mandatory to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. PIP insurance will provide up to $10,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses incurred as a result of an accident.
In addition to PIP coverage, drivers in Florida are also required by law to carry Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance with a minimum limit of $10,000. This type of coverage pays for damages caused by your vehicle to another person’s property such as their car or fence.
It is important to note that PIP and PDL policies do not pay for all damages suffered in an accident. If you are at fault for the accident and someone else is injured or their property damaged beyond what your policy covers, then you may be held liable for those additional costs.
Reasons Why a PIP Claim May Be Denied by an Insurer
An experienced Florida car accident lawyer has encountered countless reasons for PIP claim denial. The most common ones are these.
You Did Not Seek Medical Attention Within 14 Days after the Crash
One of the most common reasons why PIP claims are denied is due to not seeking medical attention within 14 days after a car accident in Florida. It’s essential to understand that this time frame is crucial and cannot be bypassed.
The reason behind this requirement is to ensure that all injuries resulting from the crash are documented by licensed healthcare providers. Delaying medical treatment can lead an insurance company to question whether your injuries were actually caused by the accident or if they were pre-existing.
If you didn’t seek medical attention within the 14-day window, it’ll become difficult for you to prove that your injuries were directly related to the accident. Even if you feel fine immediately after a car accident, some symptoms may take days or weeks before they start appearing.
It’s always recommended that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible following a car crash, even if you don’t believe you’re injured. Seeking prompt medical care will not only strengthen your case but also ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of any underlying conditions.
You Missed the Deadline for Filing the PIP Claim
One common reason why PIP claims are denied is because the deadline for filing the claim has passed. In Florida, you have 14 days after an accident to seek medical attention and file a PIP claim.
If you miss this deadline, your insurer may deny your claim. This can be especially frustrating if you didn’t realize there was a time limit or if you were dealing with other issues related to the accident.
It’s important to understand that missing the deadline for filing a PIP claim can have serious consequences. If your claim is denied, you may be responsible for paying all of your medical bills out-of-pocket.
To avoid this situation, file your PIP claim promptly. If you’re unsure about what steps to take or how long you have to file a claim, consider speaking with an experienced Florida car accident lawyer who can assist you throughout the process.
You Were Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
If you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of your car accident in Florida, it is highly likely that your PIP claim will be denied by your insurer. This is because driving while impaired violates traffic laws and puts not only yourself but also other road users at risk.
If your PIP claim is denied due to DUI or drug use, you may still have options for seeking compensation for damages suffered during the crash. A skilled Florida car accident lawyer can help you explore legal avenues such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against any negligent parties involved in the accident.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous. Always prioritize safe driving practices when behind the wheel to avoid endangering yourself and others on the road.
You Did Not Seek Medical Attention From a Licensed Healthcare Provider
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida and want to make a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim, it’s crucial that you seek medical attention from a licensed healthcare provider. Failure to do so could result in your insurer denying your claim.
The reason why insurers require medical attention from licensed healthcare providers is that they’re deemed more qualified to provide accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Seeking help from an unlicensed or alternative practitioner may not be enough for the insurer to validate the expenses incurred.
It’s essential to note that seeking medical care after an accident isn’t just about making sure your PIP claim goes through. It’s equally important for your health and well-being because some injuries might not manifest right away but can worsen over time if left untreated.
When visiting a healthcare provider, ensure they hold all necessary licenses required by Florida law, such as chiropractic medicine or osteopathic medicine certificates, depending on the type of care needed.
You Missed a Premium Payment
One other common reason why insurers might deny a PIP claim is if you missed a premium payment. If you fail to pay your premiums on time and your policy lapses, you will not be covered when an accident occurs. It’s important always to stay current with payments and maintain active coverage.
Talk to an Experienced Florida Car Accident Lawyer!
If you have been denied a PIP claim in Florida due to any of these reasons or others, get in touch with our Florida auto accident lawyers. We will analyze the reasons for the denial and give you a reliable legal opinion.
If we believe that you have a valid PIP claim that was unfairly denied, we will help you appeal it or even sue your insurer if they refuse to change their stance on the matter.
However, it is important to act quickly. The statute of limitations for this type of case is 4 years after the date of the accident in Florida. Since we offer you a free case review, you have nothing to lose. So call us at 786-249-7999 today!
