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Auto insurance provides coverage for bodily injury to the driver, property damage, and more. But what happens if a passenger in your vehicle is injured? Your friend likely doesn’t want to sue you for medical bills. Fortunately, there are other options available for passengers in Longwood, FL.
At-Fault Driver
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that typically, both drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and pay for their own medical bills. However, if an injury is severe, a passenger or driver can sue the at-fault driver for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. To sue for non-economic damages, the injury must meet the threshold set by Florida law. The injury must:
- Be permanent
- Be fatal
- Cause severe disfigurement
- Result in a loss of bodily function
- Cause permanent scarring
In cases of severe injury, it is the at-fault driver’s responsibility to cover the losses. Agents at Express Insurance can provide more information about these situations.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Florida law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection with a minimum limit of $10,000. PIP is designed to cover 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages. However, to file a claim, you must seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident.
A passenger in a vehicle can file a claim with the driver’s insurance company to access PIP payments for medical bills and potentially lost wages.
Uninsured Driver Coverage
Although Florida law mandates insurance coverage, some drivers either lack insurance or don’t have enough coverage to pay for medical bills for passengers. If the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance, the passenger in your vehicle may not benefit from suing them for severe injuries. In this case, the passenger can file a claim under your uninsured driver coverage to receive compensation.
Navigating the complexities of car accidents in a no-fault state can be challenging, especially when multiple people are involved. Professional agents at Express Insurance are here to help. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve the Longwood, FL, area.