We of the Julie Eason Law Offices again present you with information about a new bill signed by Governor Rick Scott. Accident fraud could have cost Floridians “over $1 billion this year if PIP reform was not passed.” Due to this legislation, Floridians will enjoy automobile insurance premiums at a reduced rate.
The Governor stated expressively, “Growing up in a family without a lot of money, I truly understand the value of the hard-earned dollar for Florida families.”
He summarized the advantages of the new law, “By helping reduce fraudulent auto accident claims, this legislation will benefit the pocketbooks of every Florida family who drives an automobile.”
If you wish to visit the Florida State Archives and actually see the printed laws, word for word, in PDF format, click on this handy resource. For a basic outline of the new automobile insurance reform bill, The Law Offices of Julie Eason Smith invite to you to read below:
THE BACKGROUND: Previously the Sentinel Newspaper reported the shocking information that personal injuring claims had risen by $900, million dollars– to a stunning $2.45 billion. How? Many claims were fraudulent. They involved rampant use of staged accidents, rip-off pain clinics and padded procedures. For reference, you can click here.
THE FACTS: The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation provided powerful incentive for the lawmakers to enact this reform.
1. They reported that from 2006 to 2010, the Personal Injury claims had increased 28 percent although “the number of drivers has remained stable, and the frequency of car crashes has actually declined.”
2. A whopping pay-out on PIP claims grew 66 percent in the last 4 years. Since the claims increased auto insurance premiums, the expense had encumbered family budgets in our state. Quick Case Study: a family in Miami making $40,000 a year would be forced to pay nearly 14 percent of their annual salary on personal injury protection.
3. This new Legislation halts fraud and reduces costs to protect these families and their financial well-being. For more detail, click on this source.
POINTS OF LAW: Julie Eason Smith thinks you might want to know how this law affects you. What happens now if you are an accident victim.? We have assembled this basic points of the law. There are more points at this site.
1. The law lowers cost of auto insurance premimus by limiting fraud.
2. Accident victims must receive initial treatment within a 14-day window and benefits can’t be used as payment for massage and acupuncture. See more about benefits by clicking here.
3. Judges will be permitted to review attorney fees for over inflated charges.
4. Only reasonable fees can be charged by the medical provider for services and care.
5. Clinics will pay a licensure fee and sign fraud notices about misleading or fraudulent claims.
The governor also stated, “I am glad to do my part in keeping the cost of living low in Florida, and I will continue to work to find ways to do so.” Once again, we of the Law Offices of Julie Eason-Smith thank you for reading this legal blog. We invite you to sign in on our homepage in the RSS feed box, to receive this blog regularly in your e-mail.
