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If you are injured in a vehicle accident, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses from either your vehicle insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, depending on who was at fault. Even in a “no-fault” state, such as Florida, fault does matter when seeking recovery of damages in a personal injury claim. 

There are several different types of insurance that cover personal injury cases. They include liability coverage, bodily insurance liability coverage, personal injury insurance (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, umbrella excess coverage (PUP), and medical payments coverage (MedPay). 

Liability coverage 

Liability insurance is a requirement in the state of Florida. It protects you and your property. It is a standard component of auto insurance policies. 

Bodily injury liability coverage 

Bodily injury liability coverage is the part of insurance policies that pays for the costs associated with injuries. It also provides for legal fees. It is important to have at least $300,000 in bodily injury coverage under your automobile insurance policy. And an umbrella/excess policy is also available through numerous insurance companies and a good idea because it provides even more coverage than the underlying coverage of $300,000. 

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 

All motor vehicle insurance policies by law are required to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in an amount equal to the bodily injury coverage you purchase. However, be careful to never sign a rejection of uninsured motorist coverage, and never sign a form electing “non-stacking” uninsured motorist coverage. Be careful to never sign a form that the insurance company may try to offer you that says, “You are electing not to purchase certain valuable coverage which protects you and your family…” Always buy “uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $300,000, or more is even better. Always make sure that your uninsured motorist coverage is stacking. Never select “non-stacking” uninsured motorist coverage. 

Personal injury protection coverage (PIP) 

PIP is mandatory in Florida. It is an extension of vehicle insurance that covers medical expenses and, in many cases, lost wages. It is often called “no-fault” coverage because it pays out claims regardless of who is at fault in the accident. On top of medical bills and lost wages, PIP insurance can also cover expenses like transportation to medical appointments. 

Umbrella/excess coverage (PUP) 

A personal umbrella policy, sometimes referred to as PUP, can help provide liability coverage beyond the limits of an underlying policy. This added protection may help pay out-of-pocket expenses when the other driver is found legally liable for the damage or loss of your property or he/she is required to pay for your medical or legal expenses. 

Make sure you purchase at least $1,000,000 in coverage under your umbrella or excess insurance policy. And make sure the umbrella/excess policy provides not only “liability” coverage if you injure someone else, but make sure it also provides “uninsured/underinsured” motorist coverage in the same amount to protect you and your family. Be careful to never sign a rejection of uninsured motorist coverage, and never sign a form electing “non-stacking” uninsured motorist coverage. Be careful to never sign a form that the insurance company may try to offer you that says, “You are electing not to purchase certain valuable coverage which protects you and your family…” Always make sure that your uninsured motorist coverage is stacking. Never select “non-stacking” uninsured motorist coverage. 

Medical payments coverage (MedPay) 

MedPay is similar to PIP, but much less comprehensive. According to Insurance.com, it is optional in all but two states, and covers medical expenses for the insured, other drivers listed on the policy, members of the insured’s household and passengers. MedPay can supplement the health insurance coverage or function as primary medical coverage after an accident. If it is considered supplemental, your health insurance would be used first to cover your injuries. MedPay would then kick in for deductibles and co-pays. If it is primary, MedPay is tapped first to cover the immediate medical costs, and then health coverage takes care of the excess or ongoing expenses. 

MedPay has a couple of advantages that make it worth considering: 

• It pays medical costs quickly, regardless of fault.
• You are covered if injured as someone else’s passenger, if you’re taking public transportation, or if you are injured by another driver while walking or cycling. 

“Understanding the types of insurance that cover personal injury is important, and we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. do not recommend trying to handle insurance companies alone. We will assist you in understanding insurance coverage if you are injured in an accident,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.