New PIP Laws and How They Will Affect You If You are in an Auto Accident
Effective January 1, 2013, car accident victims will see major changes in the Florida Motor Vehicle “No-Fault” Law. These changes are primarily for the laws governing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under the No-Fault law and laws related to PIP motor-vehicle insurance fraud.
How will this affect you as a victim? Accident victims will now be required to seek medical treatment within 14 days of the motor vehicle accident. Also, you are now limited to WHO is considered an acceptable medical provider. Meaning, within 14 days of the accident, you must seek medical attention from an Emergency Room Doctor, Osteopath, Dentist, Physician’s Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner. You will not be covered if you immediately seek chiropractic treatment. Simply put, when seeking medical treatment look for the MD, DO, PA, DDS or ARNP behind the medical provider’s name.
In order to obtain benefits for chiropractic treatment, you must have a referral from one of the acceptable medical providers listed above. Chiropractic treatments are now limited to a $2,500.00 cap. Also, massage therapy and acupuncture treatments are no longer covered under your PIP benefits.
Bottom Line, when in doubt, immediately seek treatment from the emergency room, an urgent care facility, or your primary care doctor. For more information on the new PIP laws go to http://flsenate.gov/Committees/billsummaries/2012/html/215 or call us at 888-We-Mean-It (888-936-3264). We will be happy to explain these changes to you.
