Personal injury protection laws, or PIP laws, are designed to help those who have been injured due to negligence receive compensation for their injuries. Personal injury protection laws vary significantly across the nation, and understanding these laws can be difficult. However, those who live in Florida want to take note of the recent change. Florida PIP laws now require those who have been injured to make a claim within 14 days of becoming injured. Here are some of the ramifications of this law and what it means for those who have been injured.
Why Was The Law Changed?
PIP court cases often last for lengthy periods of time, and the cost of fighting against a claim is expensive for companies. As a result, companies regularly lobby to place limits on PIP laws. In the recent legislative session, lobbyists were able to convince lawmakers that this time limit would help businesses in the state of Florida avoid costly lawsuits. For those who suffer injuries, however, the law can be a major hindrance.
How Does The Law Hurt Individuals?
Many injuries are obvious when they occur. A broken bone, for example, will be diagnosed quickly. Other injuries, however, may take longer to become clear. A back injury related to a fall, for example, may not arise for months. Because of this, those who have been injured may not be able to recoup expenses they should be entitled to.
What Does This Mean to me?
In the past, many would wait to hear what their doctors diagnosed before choosing whether to file court documents. Because of this new limitation, however, those who have been injured will want to speak with a lawyer as quickly as possible. Those who miss the filing deadline will not be able to recoup any expenses, and medical bills can build up quickly. Even if your injuries do not seem severe, you may need to file paperwork to ensure that you are covered if you need help paying potentially expensive medical bills.
The courts are difficult to navigate, and it is all but impossible for an individual to file the appropriate paperwork and recoup money they are due. These recent Florida PIP law changes make the process even more daunting. Those who have suffered even minor injuries are strongly encouraged to contact a lawyer if the injury resulted from negligence.