Frequently Asked Questions — Accident Victims

1. What is PIP?
2. Who is covered by PIP insurance?
3. How do I know what my PIP coverage is?
4. Can I seek treatment from any doctor that I choose?
5. What if the accident was my fault?
6. What services must the insurance company pay for?
7. Can I recover my lost wages?
8. Can I recover my transportation expenses for visits to the doctor?
9. What should I do if I am told to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with another doctor?
10. What can I do if the insurance company refuses to pay for any further treatment?
11. How do I pursue a claim for PIP benefits?
12. What will it cost me?
13. Why do I need an attorney to pursue a PIP claim?
14. Don’t all personal injury attorneys handle these type of claims?

1. What is PIP?
   “PIP” is an acronym for personal injury protection or “no-fault” coverage that all Florida vehicle owners are required by law to maintain.
2. Who is covered by PIP insurance?
   If you own the vehicle and have it insured, then you are covered as are any relatives living in your house. Passengers and other users of your car may be covered under your policy if they do not own a vehicle. If they do own a vehicle, their PIP policy would cover them in the event of an accident.
3. How do I know what my PIP coverage is?
   Your insurance card will likely tell you. Most policies provide for $10,000 in PIP coverage. Some have additional coverage for medical payments. You can obtain a Declarations Page from your insurance company by contacting them or your agent.
4. Can I seek treatment from any doctor that I choose?
   Yes.
5. What if the accident was my fault?
   Fault doesn’t matter, you are still covered.
6. What services must the insurance company pay for?
   PIP covers all reasonable expenses for medically necessary medical, surgical, X-ray, dental, and rehabilitative services, including prosthetic devices, and medically necessary ambulance, hospital, and nursing services. It also covers laboratory services and other services such as physical therapy and massage therapy.
7. Can I recover my lost wages?
   Yes. PIP provides payment for 60% percent of any loss of gross income and loss of earning capacity per individual from inability to work caused by the injury sustained, plus all expenses reasonably incurred in obtaining from others ordinary and necessary services in lieu of those that, but for the injury, the injured person would have performed without income for the benefit of his or her household. All disability benefits payable under this provision shall be paid not less than every 2 weeks.
8. Can I recover my transportation expenses for visits to the doctor?
   Yes. You should keep a mileage log. The insurance company will reimburse you for your trips to and from medical treatment.
9. What should I do if I am told to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with another doctor?
   Contact us immediately. Your policy requires that you cooperate with the insurance company which includes attending an IME if reasonably requested. However, you have rights such as the right to have someone accompany you to the appointment, have it videotaped, as well as the location of the exam. We can assist you.
10. What can I do if the insurance company refuses to pay for any further treatment?
    Contact us. The insurance company can only withdraw payment for your medical treatment under specific circumstances. We can usually obtain proper reimbursement for you so don’t wait, particularly if you feel that you are in need of additional medical treatment.
11. How do I pursue a claim for PIP benefits?
    Fill out the application for PIP benefits that your insurance company sends you. If your treatment is denied or payments reduced, contact us. If you are already represented by an attorney for your accident, you should discuss it with your attorney first and ask that your attorney contact us.
12. What will it cost me?
    Nothing. I know that sounds unbelievable, but we handle these matters on a contingent fee basis. If we do not obtain proper reimbursement for you, we receive no payment. If we do prevail in your claim, our fees will be paid by the insurance company. You will never receive a bill from us for attorney’s fees or costs.
13. Why do I need an attorney to pursue a PIP claim?
    PIP is a highly technical, highly specialized area of the law with many prerequisites and deadlines that must be met. Failure to meet any of these may result in no reimbursement for you or possibly even your having to refund money to the insurance company. In certain circumstances, you could expose yourself to a claim of insurance fraud.
14. Don’t all personal injury attorneys handle these type of claims?
    Absolutely NOT. In fact, very few attorneys in Northwest Florida are experienced in handling PIP matters. The law in this area changes rapidly and most personal injury attorneys do not have the means, or the desire, to stay current in this area. For these reasons, you need to seek help from an attorney with PIP experience and a proven track record of success.

FAQs — Medical Providers