Filing a Florida Car Accident Lawsuit in a No-Fault Insurance State

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, but do you know what that means besides the type of auto insurance coverage you are required to carry? It means that as a resident of Florida, if you are involved in a car accident, your insurance will generally kick in, regardless of who was at fault. However, when there are serious injuries resulting from the St. Petersburg car accident (or a crash in any part of the state), other factors come in to play. Living in a no-fault insurance state affects the way that litigation is handled.

You insurance policy includes what is called Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.) coverage, which pays a percentage of your lost wages, medical expenses, and some household services you are no longer able to do because of your injuries from the accident. One of the main advantages to no-fault insurance is that you can obtain this compensation without having to prove fault in the auto accident.

One of the major drawbacks to Florida’s no fault system for an injured person, is that your injuries must reach a certain threshold before you can pursue monetary damages against the other driver. Typically, your injuries must be permanent, lead to scarring or disfigurement or some other significant damage. When determining the seriousness of an injury, the length of disability is also taken into account. If a Florida car accident results in death, it can also be grounds for a civil lawsuit.

For more information about the Florida no fault insurance system and your rights to sue in a serious car accident that occurred in St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Largo, Kenneth City, Clearwater or other city in Florida, you need to contact an experienced injury lawyer in St. Petersburg at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947. The legal consultation is free.