Unlike most states, Florida does not legally require drivers to purchase bodily injury liability coverage. Bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage is a type of insurance coverage that covers the injuries the policyholder caused to another motorist in a motor vehicular accident. If a driver who does not have BIL coverage is responsible for a car accident, they would have to pay the victim’s losses with their own money. The victim must sue the other driver and prove fault to obtain fair compensation.
Victims of car collisions can also recover compensation from their own insurer, particularly for minor injuries. Florida drivers are legally obligated to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which will pay for the policyholder’s injury-related expenses. Because the state operates under a no-fault system, drivers can receive compensation from their own insurer regardless of who caused the accident.
What if the collision victim’s PIP coverage is not enough?
The minimum amount of PIP coverage drivers must own is $10,000, which is often not enough to cover all the expenses related to severe and traumatic car accident injuries. Fortunately, the victim can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for injuries that meet the legal threshold of serious injuries. According to Florida law, victims may recover damages for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Inconvenience due to injuries, sickness or disease
- Medical bills
Car accident victims who suffer serious injuries must often shell out hundreds and thousands of dollars from their own pockets to recover from a collision. But they should know that they do not have to.
What if the victim was partly at fault for the accident?
In Florida, it does not matter who caused the car accident. Even if the victim is 99% responsible for the accident, they can still recover compensation. However, the amount will vary based on their degree of fault.