As the 4th of July approaches, most families are busy preparing plans for Independence Day weekend. Unfortunately, so too are car crashes and other highway vehicle accidents.
On average, nearly 250,000 traffic accidents occur in Florida every year, resulting in nearly 3,000 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. Each of these tragic motor vehicle crashes is terrible in its own respect, but the case of David Belniak sent ripples of shock throughout the Tampa Bay, Florida area and surrounding counties. On June 12, 2012, the jury determined that Mr. McWilliams was not at fault in the crash and awarded a total of $14 million to the relatives of the victims Belniak in compensatory damages. The parties later reached a settlement of $1 million in punitive damages.
The new PIP Reform Bill of 2012 will usher in a swath of questionable requirements and limitations on personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance coverage that may ultimately do more harm than good to Florida drivers. The following are a few recommended steps to take following an auto accident to maximize your PIP benefits.
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.
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.
