Pace Auto Accident Lawyer

Distracted driving

Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road, such as using a phone, adjusting controls, eating, or talking to passengers. Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from reacting in time to avoid a crash.

Texting while driving

Reading, typing, or sending text messages while operating a vehicle. This is especially dangerous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distraction, leaving the driver unable to focus on traffic conditions.

Speeding

Driving faster than the posted limit or too fast for road, weather, or traffic conditions. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the force of impact, making collisions more severe.

Failure to yield

Not giving the right-of-way when required by traffic laws, such as at intersections, crosswalks, merge lanes, or when turning left. This often leads to side-impact or T-bone collisions.

Running red lights or stop signs

Entering an intersection without stopping when required by a traffic signal or stop sign. These violations frequently cause severe crashes because other drivers may have little or no time to avoid impact.

Aggressive driving

Driving in a hostile or reckless manner, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, cutting off other vehicles, or making unsafe passes. Aggressive driving increases the risk of sudden, dangerous collisions.

Following too closely

Driving too near the vehicle ahead without enough space to stop safely. Also known as tailgating, this behavior commonly causes rear-end accidents when traffic slows or stops unexpectedly.

Fatigue driving

Operating a vehicle while overly tired or drowsy. A fatigued driver may have slower reflexes, poor judgment, or even fall asleep at the wheel, creating a serious hazard for everyone on the road.

Unsafe lane changes

Moving into another lane without checking blind spots, signaling properly, or ensuring there is enough space. Unsafe lane changes can cause sideswipe crashes, multi-vehicle collisions, or drivers to leave the roadway.

Failure to maintain a proper lookout

Not paying enough attention to traffic, pedestrians, road signs, or changing conditions. Drivers have a duty to stay alert and observe their surroundings so they can respond to hazards in time.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Concussions
• Neck injuries
• Whiplash

• Herniated discs
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones

• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Internal injuries
• Burns

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance?

One of the first questions many injured drivers ask after an auto accident is, "Who pays my medical bills?"

Unlike many other states, Florida follows a no-fault automobile insurance system, meaning that your own Personal Injury Protection ("PIP") insurance generally provides the first source of coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the collision.

Under section 627.736, Florida Statutes, every owner of a motor vehicle required to be registered in Florida must maintain at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. PIP benefits are intended to provide immediate financial assistance following an accident without requiring injured individuals to first prove another driver was negligent.

What Percentage Does PIP Pay?

PIP insurance typically pays 80 percent of reasonable and necessary medical expenses and 60 percent of lost wages, up to the available policy limits. Depending on the circumstances, PIP may also provide benefits for certain replacement services and a limited death benefit.

Although PIP is designed to provide prompt benefits, it has significant limitations. Medical expenses from even a relatively minor collision can quickly exceed the available coverage. Emergency room treatment, diagnostic imaging, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and follow-up care often result in bills far greater than the $10,000 policy limit. In addition, PIP generally does not compensate injured individuals for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other non-economic damages.

What is the Fourteen-Day Rule?

Florida law requires injured persons to obtain initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident in order to qualify for PIP benefits. Waiting longer than fourteen days may result in the loss of valuable insurance benefits, even if the injuries were caused by the collision.

Medical treatment may be provided by a physician, osteopathic physician, dentist, chiropractor, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or certain hospital facilities as authorized by Florida law. Because delays in treatment may create both legal and medical issues, it is generally advisable to seek evaluation as soon as possible after an accident, even if injuries initially appear minor.

What is the Emergency Medical Condition Requirement?

The full $10,000 in PIP benefits is not automatically available after every accident. Under Florida law, an authorized healthcare provider must determine that the injured person suffered an Emergency Medical Condition (EMC) before the entire policy limit is available. Without an EMC determination, available PIP medical benefits are usually capped at $2,500.

Sometimes disputes arise over whether treatment was medically necessary or whether an EMC exists. These disagreements can significantly affect the amount of available benefits and the financial burden placed on an injured person.