Some states, including Florida, are no-fault insurance states, meaning that no one person receives the blame for causing an auto accident. Your insurance company can’t force you to take responsibility and neither can law enforcement. Instead, auto insurance providers require that drivers carry Personal Injury Protection insurance. Without this coverage, your insurance will not pay for damages following an accident.
In Florida, finding who is at fault for an auto accident is a moot issue unless someone decides to take the case to court. For example, you or another driver might choose to file a personal injury claim. In that case, the plaintiff will have to prove who is to blame for the accident. Establishing fault is the only way to receive compensation for the incident.
The Necessity of Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP) is a necessity for Florida drivers. Since the state doesn’t require auto insurance, PIP is a protective measure that pays for the damages, regardless of why the collision took place. This protection only pays up to 80 percent of medical expenses and up to 60 percent of lost wages resulting from the accident.
If you have PIP, then an accident shouldn’t increase your premiums. The insurance company must have a valid reason for raising your rates and being involved in a crash isn’t a legitimate excuse for forcing you to pay more.
Contact Your Auto Insurance Supplier
If you fail to report an accident, then you could lose your PIP coverage. Some drivers will avoid calling-in an accident for fear of increased insurance premiums. In the case of simple PIP coverage, higher rates are generally not likely. On the other hand, if a court case finds that you did cause the accident, that will affect how much you pay to the insurer. Being wholly or partially at-fault for a disaster can also saddle you with increased premiums. The chances of this go up if you’re involved in multiple crashes throughout the year.
Get Help from an Attorney
Safety is the primary concern after an auto accident. Once you and others involved call the proper authorities, you should contact an attorney immediately. The Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Salpeter Gitkin, LLP have decades of combined experience recovering compensation for car accident victims.
We understand that stress over bills and increased premiums is likely to result from a car accident. We are here to provide with peace of mind by pursuing the maximum compensation available for all accident-related damages. Contact us today at (954) 467-8622 for a free case evaluation.