The Florida PIP Trap: When Can You Sue After a No-Fault Car Accident?

Been in a car accident in Florida? Florida’s no-fault system gives quick medical coverage, but it can limit your access to full compensation. Knowing when you can file a PIP lawsuit helps you navigate its protections and pitfalls.

Florida’s $10,000 PIP Coverage: Protection with Limits

Florida’s no-fault system requires you to use your own PIP insurance for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. Every driver must have at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.

Florida’s no-fault system was designed to help you, and in some ways, it does.

What PIP Covers:

• It pays regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
• It covers 80% of your medical bills (up to the limit).
• It covers 60% of your lost wages (up to the limit).

Reality check: Florida’s $10,000 PIP limit hasn’t changed in decades, but medical costs keep rising, one ER visit can cost $3,000–$5,000. It’s enough for minor injuries, but not for serious ones. Once PIP runs out, you need to know how to sue after a no-fault car accident in Florida.

The Permanent Injury Threshold: Your Biggest Challenge

To sue for pain and suffering in Florida, your injury must meet the “permanent injury threshold” defined in state law. Specifically, you need one of the following:

• Permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury confirmed by a doctor
• Significant permanent scarring
• Death

Injuries that usually qualify:

• Spinal damage with lasting problems
• Brain injuries with ongoing symptoms
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Permanent nerve damage

Injuries that usually don’t qualify:

• Broken bones that heal
• Whiplash that gets better
• Temporary back pain
• Soft tissue injuries that improve

Here’s the tough part: You may not know if your injury is permanent for months. Call the United Law Firm early, we’ll help guide your treatment and build a strong case.

When Your PIP Runs Out: Diverging Paths

Best Case – You Meet the Threshold: With a Florida PIP lawsuit, you can recover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life, getting the full compensation you deserve.

Worst Case – You Don’t Meet the Threshold: You only get medical bills and lost wages covered. Pain and suffering? $0. Even if you suffered for months.

Why Work With United Law Firm?

At United Law Firm, our lawyers know exactly:

• What medical records you need
• Which doctors to see
• How to prove permanent injury
• How to get maximum compensation

Honest truth: Not every case needs a lawyer. Minor injuries? You might handle it yourself. Serious injuries or claims over $10,000? A lawyer can make a huge difference.

We’ve helped hundreds of Florida victims recover millions, turning the PIP trap into a path to justice.

The Truth About Florida’s System

What works:

• Fast initial coverage
• No fault fights for small claims
• Quick treatment access

What doesn’t:

• $10,000 is too low
• Permanent injury rules are too strict
• Insurance companies play games
• People get confused and lose money

Reality: Florida’s system helps some and hurts others. Success depends on knowing the rules and having a United Law Firm on your side.

Many victims meet the permanent injury threshold each year; others don’t and lose thousands. The difference? Proper documentation, understanding the system, and early legal help.

Contact United Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and tell you if you meet Florida’s threshold.