Tag Archives: Personal injury protection

Auto Accident | Personal Injury Protection | Injury Compensation

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Blick Law

All personal injury claims are unique and the outcomes vary case by case. There are many factors involved in order to make proper judgments on the value and overall return for a client. Here are few factors to consider when seeking compensation for pain and suffering in an auto accident.

Insurance Coverage

Personal Injury Claims result from the negligence of one party causing injury to another. Insurance coverage is critical to gauge possible financial recovery in an accident for a personal injury plaintiff. Those who have been injured due to the negligence of another may be subject to an injury case with little to no recovery. Unless the plaintiff’s own insurance policy has Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage which provides for payment of certain benefits for damages caused by owners or operators of vehicles that are not insured and that cause injury resulting from an automobile accident. Such benefits include payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

Insurance coverage is vital in helping car accident victims afford the medical care they need and provides assistance in replacing the loss of property incurred when involved in a serious accident.

Florida requires that all automobile owners who register and operate a vehicle must have Florida insurance. In Florida, the mandatory minimum coverage is $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) as long as you have a valid Florida license plate.

While these mandatory minimums are in place, many Florida drivers operate vehicles without any automobile insurance coverage. As a protection against Uninsured Motorists, insurance companies provide Uninsured Motorist Coverage.

As a precaution, it is important for all drivers to consider adding UM coverage to their existing policy to protect themselves and their families from injuries and loss caused in an auto accident by uninsured motorists.

Medical and Property Damages

As soon as you are injured in an auto accident, you should seek immediate medical attention for your injuries including, transport via ambulance and emergency room hospital visit. Injuries sustained in an accident are not to be taken lightly as they may become worse over time and may cause severe life-long damages.

In other cases, property damage and other damages sustained in an auto accident weighs in the value to the claim and overall recovery for the client.

If you have recently been involved in an auto accident contact Tampa personal injury attorney today and receive a free case evaluation to protect your legal rights. A personal injury lawyer will assist you to get the proper medical attention and legal representation you deserve. Call 888-973-2776 today!

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What is personal injury protection?

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Blick Law

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory coverage on Florida car insurance policies that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The original purpose of PIP coverage was to make sure that anyone injured in an auto accident would quickly receive money to treat their injuries. In Florida, all drivers are obligated to obtain a minimum of $10,000 PIP coverage for medical bills and lost wages following an auto accident.

Due to rampant fraud and misappropriation of PIP coverage in Florida, insurance companies have lobbied to pass PIP insurance reform to limit the types of treatment available to crash victims covered by PIP, and limit the amount of coverage in order to avoid abuse and fraud.

The new PIP law, which took effect January 1, 2013, requires that persons injured in an accident must begin medical services and care within 14-days of the accident in order to be eligible for PIP benefits. The law also requires that injured persons obtain their initial medical treatment from specific medical entities. The initial treatment must be administered by the following:

  • Emergency medical services personnel
  • Hospital
  • Facility that owns or is wholly owned by a hospital
  • Medical doctor, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath.

Additionally, the new law bans the use of PIP dollars to pay for massage or acupuncture treatments and will limit the payout for non-emergency treatment of accident-related injuries to $2,500.00. A widespread concern is that accident victims with serious injuries won’t be able to get the care they need if they sustain an injury such as a whiplash or herniated disc because these injuries may not qualify as an emergency.

Nonetheless, supporters of the new law insist that the reform will contribute to overall lower insurance premiums and provide much needed relief to Florida drivers.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of an auto accident and have questions concerning your rights, call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Common soft tissue injuries from an auto accident

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Blick Law Firm

The most common result of personal injury from an auto accident are neck and back injuries. Because muscles and ligaments in the back and neck go into shock during the accident there is unnecessary pain creating the necessity for continuous medical expenses including doctor visits, prescriptions and physical therapy.

The frequent treatments and remedies needed to recover from these injuries will take place over six to eight week period. In addition, there are numerous side effects the patient will endure including:

  • chronic pain
  • sleepless nights
  • headaches
  • diminished sex life
  • inability to lift heavy things
  • depression

Failure to seek treatment for such injuries will result in symptoms persisting. Accident victims have legal rights including the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses. 

Also recent legislative news, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law was recently changed to ensure auto accident victims seek medical treatment quickly to qualify for full insurance coverage.

Florida’s PIP insurance law as adopted by House Bill 119 now requires those injured from an auto accident to seek medical assistance within 14 days of their injury.

With current soft tissue injuries resulting from an auto accident and these new changes in the law it is imperative to seek legal council after an auto accident to maximize your recovery and receive protection from insurance companies.

Call Attorney Michael Blickensderfer who has over 25 years legal experience. As a former prosecutor and a former Marine, he will fight for your rights and defend your claim. call 813-931-0840 today!

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