Posts Tagged ‘Options’

PIP Changes Mean Different Options for Those Injured in a Miami Car Accident This Month

Monday, July 16th, 2012

As of July 1, Florida has introduced changes to its PIP coverage, so anyone who is involved in a Miami car accident from this month forward can expect some changes. PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage, also commonly called “no-fault” coverage, ensures that if someone is injured in a Miami traffic accident or Florida traffic accident they have medical care paid for promptly, regardless of who caused the car collision.

While the system is intended to ensure that everyone has money for needed medical care without a complex claims process, there have been criticisms of the system. Florida has come under fire for having one of the highest instances of insurance fraud in the country, and many claim that this is because the PIP coverage system is easy to abuse. In recent years, many fraudsters have been accused of staging Miami truck accidents and car accidents and even working with clinics to get the maximum 000 payout for even minor or fake injuries. The insurance has also become very expensive.

As a result of the criticisms, Florida legislators have made some changes. Starting July 1, those injured in a serious car accident will only be able to claim the maximum 000 PIP amount if they have an “emergency medical condition.” Less serious injuries will have a maximum coverage of 00. In addition, only dentists, medical doctors, and osteopaths will be able to declare an injury an “emergency medical condition.” Chiropractors will not be permitted to make the decision.

As a result of the new rules, car accident victims in the state will need to seek medical treatment within 14 days of their initial injury and accident. If they fail to do so, they will not qualify for PIP benefits at all. In addition, the new changes will mean that treatments such as massage and acupuncture will not be covered by PIP.

Experts have criticized the new rules, saying that it may be harder for some Miami motorcycle accident and car accident victims to get treatment for their injuries. For example, some victims may not notice symptoms until after the initial 14 days have passed. In addition, soft tissue injuries – which can be painful and expensive to treat – do not qualify as emergency medical conditions. Even some doctors have questioned the new rules, pointing out that the 00 cap for non-emergency conditions is troubling since some tests – including MRIs – can cost more than 00 alone.

It can be challenging to recover after a Miami car accident – and even more so if your insurance does not cover the full cost of your injuries. The new rules are confusing for many accident victims and may not allow for enough compensation to pay for medical care. It is more important than ever before to be aware of all your options before you make any decisions in your case. If you are seriously injured in a Miami traffic accident, contact a Miami personal injury attorney to at least review your options and your possible costs.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Illegal driver ran out of options

Saturday, March 17th, 2012

A driver with outstanding warrants tried to flee from RCMP Monday.
Manitoba stories

Options for Florida Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Many Florida spinal cord injury patients sustain their injuries as a result of a car accident. The force and impact of a car collision often causes extensive trauma to the entire body. Being ejected from the car or being tossed about inside of the car – often the result of not wearing a seat belt – can easily lead to brain injuries and spinal cord injuries as the body comes into violent contact with hard surfaces.

Florida spinal cord injury patients traditionally face many obstacles. Back injuries sustained in traffic accidents are often very serious, due to the impact of the accident. As well, spinal cord injuries are among the more expensive Florida car accident injuries to treat. Many patients have in excess of 0 000 in medical bills in their first year after their accident alone. This is because spinal cord injuries often require extended hospital stays, surgery, and other expensive treatment.

Florida spinal cord injury patients often face additional challenges after their accident, as well. For example, some of the treatments for spinal cord injuries – including rehabilitation work and home care – are not covered by health insurance. As well, car insurance is often capped far below what spinal cord injury patients will need to pay for their injuries, and since patients often cannot work after their injury, there are few resources available. Worse, in many cases spinal cord injuries are permanent, and require a lifetime of home care and medical treatment and represent a lifetime of lost income.

For all of these reasons, it is important to contact an experienced South Florida personal injury attorney soon after a serious car accident. A good attorney can investigate the accident, find all liable parties, and aggressively pursue all sources of recovery. This can make a tremendous impact on a spinal cord injury patient’s outcome. With financial resources in place, a back injury patient can get the support, medication, income, and medical care needed to make the best possible recovery.

There is also good news for Florida spinal cord injury patients. Traditionally, some patients have been treated with spinal fusion, which helps patients with herniated discs in the neck. While the treatment can be effective, it does usually require multiple surgeries and months of recovery. However, doctors as Bay Medical Center have been offering a new procedure for patients with herniated discs in the neck. The new procedure places an artificial disc in the neck and patients who have this procedure often enjoy a shorter recovery time and may not require repeat surgeries. Surgery takes about an hour and a half and currently the procedure is available for patients with only one damaged disc. The ideal patients for the surgery are under 50, in good general physical condition, and are non-smokers. Currently, only a few physicians offer the procedure in Florida.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog