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GOVERNOR DESANTIS WAITS UNTIL 11TH HOUR TO VETO FLORIDA LEGISLATURE’S REPEAL OF ANCIENT 1971 AUTOMOBILE “NO-FAULT” LAW

Governor Ron Desantis’ 11th hour veto will continue the state’s ancient “no-fault” personal injury protection (PIP) system.  The Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault or Personal Injury Protection Law, ironically known as “full coverage”, only requires the bare naked minimum to share the roadway in Florida.

As an attorney who has helped thousands of people injured in car wrecks and pedestrian accidents, in ALL 67 COUNTIES OF FLORIDA, with a focus in West Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Broward, Miami Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee Counties, and throughout the United States, the principles underlying no-fault insurance does not work in 2021.

Florida’s Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP) started back in 1971, when Florida became only the (2nd) second State in the US to adopt a “no fault” automobile insurance plan. The plan was intended to counter the number of law suits for Florida car accident claims by providing a “quick and efficient” means to compensate those injured in a Florida car wreck.

Simply put, the system was supposed to guarantee the payment of medical expenses, lost wages and death benefits to a party regardless of who is actually at fault for the crash. Instead, this system created more litigation.

Since 1991 I started representing people injured in car, trucks, bus, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes. I have seen thousands of cases litigated on the issues of whether or not the victim’s medical treatment was appropriate, adequate or related to the accident. This type of litigation is commonly referred to in Florida as a PIP suit. Florida PIP laws are governed by the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.

The Rep. Florida House voted 99-11 to repeal Florida’s no-fault law and require every motorist to carry bodily injury coverage. The Rep. Florida Senate; likewise, overwhelmingly passed the repeal of Florida’s no-fault law.  

While our policymakers and legislators in 2021 were set on fixing Florida Automobile Liabilities Law, by making Bodily Injury and Uninsured Motorist Coverage mandatory, the Governor decided otherwise. 

The Governor committed to Florida remaining as one of the few states in the country that does not require the mandatory purchase of bodily injury and uninsured motorist insurance coverage.  Unfortunately, the evils of this system results in personal bankruptcies, mental anguish, medical bills and lost wages. I fear this will remain the norm for failure to require mandatory bodily injury and uninsured motorist insurance.  

So the Governor’s action guarantees owners and operators of cars or trucks in Florida DO NOT have sufficient coverage to pay for the physical and financial damages that otherwise would be covered by mandatory Bodily Injury and Uninsured insurance to cover the harm caused victims of Florida’s negligent or careless drivers.

Some of the No Fault Law makes no sense to me as they provide no benefit to the injured, unless of course, to increase revenue to hospitals and insurance companies.

If you have questions on this topic or have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Florida, it is very important to consult with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney immediately. It is important you are seen by a doctor as soon as possible following the accident. Gary Iscoe, is a Trial Lawyer, and he and the lawyers at Iscoe Law understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws and since 1991 Gary’s fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families- and hold auto insurers like State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and others accountable for the pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages suffered by our clients. Contact us today and speak with an experienced Miami auto accident attorney toll free 800-800-6500.  We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel, or hospital.  Call us today, we are ready to help.

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