Experts In This Article
- Michael T. Gibson, Esq., Lead Attorney & President at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, Catastrophic Injuries Expert and Licensed for 17 years
- Todd Curtin Esq., Partner & Lead Trial Attorney at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney and Licensed for 8 years
- Amit Jhalli, Esq. Attorney at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, Personal Injury Pre-suit Investigation & Brain Injury Expert and Licensed for 9 years
Florida remains one of a handful of states with “no-fault” insurance laws on the books, but this could soon change as both the Florida House and Senate have proposed measures to eliminate the state’s no-fault insurance system.
Florida’s no-fault insurance law was enacted in 1979. The law requires that all drivers carry at least $10,000 in medical personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Experts and common sense will tell you it is fundamentally irresponsible to be driving around in 2019 with what essentially amounts to $1,500 in no-fault insurance.
Florida is one of only two states without Mandatory Bodily Injury Coverage on auto insurance policies. Considering the fact, that 1 in 4 drivers are driving around without insurance in Florida, this protection is pretty important. Our No. 1 piece of advice for Florida drivers is to purchase Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage.
Senate Bill 1052 has been approved by the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee this past Monday, which would repeal Florida’s PIP law. The bill also eliminates any limits placed on damages sought for pain and suffering and institutes a requirement on all insurers to offer drivers “minimum security requirements” for any bodily injury liability or property damage claims.
This bill is a bipartisan effort co-introduced by Senators Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, and Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg. The bill was passed by the panel in a 5-3 vote and now faces a full hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee before being presented on the Senate floor.
Under SB 1052, drivers will be required to carry $25,000 bodily injury coverage or $50,000 coverage for any two or more persons. In addition, drivers will need to carry $10,000 in property damage coverage as a “minimum security requirement.” Drivers must also be offered coverage by their insurers for optional policies for medical expenses and death benefits, with optional deductibles.
If this bill is successful and passes both chambers, the new law would apply to any insurance policy written after January 1, 2020.
The House has its own proposal, HB 733, which is also meant to eliminate the PIP no-fault system. However, at this point, HB 733 has not yet been heard in any committees. Stay tuned for the latest legal updates on the repeal of Florida’s PIP Law.
Involved in an Auto Accident in Central Florida? Hire an experienced Orlando Auto Accident Attorney.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a car accident, it is important you contact an experienced Orlando auto accident attorney to help you file a claim. The law firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A. is the Home of the More For You Guarantee and is dedicated to protecting the rights of those involved in automobile accidents and will fight aggressively on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve following an accident. We can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, property damage, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website to discuss your legal options in greater detail. Our office is open daily from 8AM – 5PM. We are also available by phone 24 Hours a Day, 7 days a week at 407-422-4529. Se habla Espanol.
Related Resources:
https://miami.cbslocal.com/2019/04/02/pip-repeal-moves-forward-in-state-senate/
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