Since the 1970s, Florida has had a no-fault car insurance system in place. It is one of a small minority of remaining states with a no-fault system like this, and it impacts how injury victims in car accidents seek and obtain compensation after a car accident. In no-fault states like Florida, drivers are required to have “personal injury protection” (PIP) provisions in their car insurance policies. This means that—regardless of who is liable for the accident—the injury victim typically files a car accident claim through her own insurance company for payment of medical expenses. PIP pays 80% of medical expenses, up to a total of $10,000. Yet all of this could change if Florida abolishes its no-fault system, which is looking more and more likely every year.
Florida House of Representatives Votes to Abandon No-Fault Car Insurance System
Florida’s no-fault system, as we mentioned, has been in place for about four decades. However, according to a recent report in the Palm Beach Post, the Florida House of Representatives “voted overwhelmingly” to abolish the no-fault system in the state. According to the report, the House is “sending a clear message for the second straight year amid rising expectations the Senate will pass its own version of repeal this session.”
For many Floridians, this is good news because it potentially means that car insurance rates could decrease. Indeed, according to Rep. Erin Grall, who voted to eradicate the no-fault system in the House, “we will be able to do this at a cost reduction to the average driver in Florida.” The House bill that is seeking to undo PIP requirements (HB 19) is estimated to save the average driver $81, or a total of almost $1 billion. While many drivers may be pleased about the potential changes to car insurance costs, the bill could also have implications for car accident lawsuits.
The PIP system was not abolished in the 2018 Legislative session, but the debate rages on. It will likely continue in 2019. It is important to understand that, even with a so-called “no-fault” system still in place, determining fault for a car accident is still critically important. “No-fault” is a misnomer, in many respects. Complex? Not for us. The lawyers at Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith have decades of experience navigating the “no-fault” system.
Speak with a West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Were you recently injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver? To learn more about your options, you should speak with a West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith PLLC today.
Resource:
palmbeachpost.com/business/house-votes-repeal-florida-fault-car-insurance-system/JhV3EljNEV4Q4qiJiu4qRO/