If you’re hurt in a car accident in Florida, you likely know that your own auto insurance covers your injuries thanks to the state’s no-fault system. But what if you were riding a bicycle instead of driving? Many people don’t realize that their car insurance may still apply in certain bike accident situations. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand how insurance laws work and what coverage options are available in your specific case.
PIP Insurance in Florida
Florida is one of the few states that uses a no-fault system. Under this system, all motorists must maintain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which they can turn to if they are involved in a car accident, regardless of fault. The minimum amount of PIP coverage is $10,000.
This insurance is designed to provide immediate medical and wage loss benefits to the policyholder and streamline the claims process. It also extends to bicyclists, pedestrians, and passengers involved in motor vehicle accidents.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you might be able to file a PIP claim. This might be your own PIP insurance or the insurance for the motorist.
What Does PIP Insurance Cover?
Under the PIP insurance statute, the following benefits are available under PIP insurance:
- Medical benefits: PIP insurance pays up to 80% of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses. You must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident for this coverage to apply.
- Disability benefits: PIP insurance pays up to 60% of any loss of gross income and lost earning capacity caused by the motor vehicle accident.
- Death benefits: In the event of death, PIP pays $5,000 in death benefits per individual.
An experienced attorney can help you understand your PIP benefits, ensure you get the money you deserve, and see if there are other ways to get more help for your injuries and lost income.
What Other Coverage Do I Have in Case of a Bicycle Accident?
Various options may help cover your costs after a bike accident in Florida, especially if your injuries are severe or another driver was at fault, including:
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance helps cover damages if the insured driver is found to be at fault in an accident. It can also help cover property damage and other damages the driver causes in a bike accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage helps pay for accident damages when the at-fault party has no insurance. It’s an optional coverage in Florida, but it can be helpful if you are involved in this situation. You can file a claim with your own insurer for this coverage.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is also an optional type of auto insurance. It comes into play if the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage for the damages you sustained in the accident. This coverage helps bridge the gap when the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate to cover your damages. You file a claim with your own insurer for this coverage, too.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Responsible Party
It’s possible that even after you exhaust all of your insurance options, you still might not have all of your damages covered. In this situation, you may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for your injuries.
Contact the Clearwater Bicycle Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
