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All bodily injuries are personal injuries, but not all personal injuries are bodily injuries. While the terms are similar, the distinction matters, especially in Florida car accident cases.
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning drivers first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if you suffer a serious injury as defined under Florida law, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional compensation. Our Palm Beach Gardens personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Bodily injury vs. personal injury and Florida car accident statutes
Florida law defines serious bodily injury as a physical condition that carries a significant risk of disfigurement, long-term impairment of the use of a limb or body part, or compromised organ function. Personal injuries, on the other hand, cover a wider variety of injuries not just to the victim’s body, but also harm like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
Let’s relate this to Florida car accident claims, because this difference can determine whether you can file a personal injury claim for damages against the at-fault driver.
Your PIP policy covers bodily injury; if you get hurt in a car accident, it covers your medical bills, even if the other driver caused the wreck. However, if your injuries qualify as serious, then you can sue the other driver for all necessary medical care and other damages, like pain and suffering. The other driver’s liability insurance policy will likely pay your damages, but you stand a better chance of securing compensation with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
What type of injuries can I get compensation for after my car accident?
Your PIP insurance and the other driver’s liability policy cover these common accident injuries:
- Brain injuries
- Scarring
- Abdominal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Burns
- Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
- Chest injuries
- Broken bones
- Shoulder injuries
Many crash victims experience emotional trauma that can last long after physical injuries heal. In a car accident claim, you can claim compensation for your emotional distress, developing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, diminished quality of life, and the onset of PTSD.
Getting compensation for personal injury in car accident claims
You can recover compensation for your economic damages, which include medical bills, lost wages if you missed work because of your injuries, and property damage. You can also claim non-economic compensation for the personal injuries you suffered due to the other driver’s negligence.
Remember, though, to qualify for personal injury compensation in Florida car accident claims, you must have suffered serious bodily injury. Filing a lawsuit for damages is more complicated than filing a claim with your PIP carrier. Having an experienced personal injury attorney represent you can improve your chances of securing a fair settlement.
Have you been hurt in a car collision and need help with your personal injury case for economic and non-economic damages? We can help you get the money you deserve. Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation.