The PIP Reform Bill of 2012, held out by the governor and the majority of legislators as the bill to end all car accident fraud and to lower automobile insurance premiums for Florida drivers, represents nothing more than a ruse fueled by political corruption and corporate greed.
After Florida legislators disseminated and debated multiple versions of PIP reform bills, the House and Senate approved HB 119 on March 9, 2012. The bill is awaiting signature by Florida Governor Rick Scott, a major proponent of reforming the state’s current personal injury protection (PIP) law.
Posting photos, videos, and comments on Facebook and other forms of social media may can have serious legal consequences. Last week, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida man was arrested for violating his probation after stealing a judge’s nameplate from the courtroom door.
The Florida House Civil Justice Subcommittee voted to pass CS/HB119 on Wednesday afternoon, moving Florida lawmakers one step closer to radically affecting the rights of Florida residents who are involved in auto and other motor vehicle accidents.
A jury in Palm Beach County, Florida recently awarded a motorcyclist $38 million for injuries and damages sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
According to the St. Petersburg Times, “of all the oxycodone that is dispensed by physicians in the United States, 85 percent is dispensed by Florida doctors.”
If the insurance company does not offer to settle for a reasonable amount, the attorney for the injured party may initiate a lawsuit. However, insurance companies are required by Florida law to attempt to settle injury claims in good faith.
The Dickensian decline of two PIP bills pending before the Florida House on Monday marked the failed efforts of some Florida legislators to reform insurance personal injury protection (PIP). HB 967 and HB 1411, which were heavily backed by insurance companies, would have imposed significant obstacles for persons injured in auto accidents (and their attorneys) to recover PIP benefits.
Now that plans for a high-speed light rail in the Tampa Bay area have been scrapped by Florida Governor Rick Scott, the risk of accidents and personal injuries involving motor vehicles and bicyclists will continue to grow.
Despite its disappointing ruling on vaccine-related lawsuits earlier this week, the Supreme Court just decided another personal injury case that marks a significant victory for victims of negligently designed or manufactured automobiles.
