Do I have to use PIP even if the other driver was at fault?

Yes. Florida is a no-fault state, so your own PIP is the first payer regardless of who caused the crash. Fault matters later, if you pursue a bodily injury claim beyond PIP.

What is the 14-day rule?

You must be examined by a qualified medical provider — MD, DO, DC (chiropractor), dentist, or hospital — within 14 days of the accident. Miss that window and PIP benefits are forfeited entirely.

Does Bretz Chiropractic accept PIP?

Yes. We handle PIP billing directly, coordinate with your auto insurer, and provide the documentation your attorney will need if the case grows beyond PIP.

What if I don't have $10,000 in medical bills?

You only use what you need. Unused PIP is not paid out — it stays with the insurance company. The goal is a complete recovery within the benefit, not maxing out the number.

Can I use PIP and health insurance together?

PIP is the primary payer for auto injuries in Florida. Once PIP is exhausted or unavailable, health insurance can take over, subject to your policy's rules.

Florida PIP Insurance for Sarasota Auto Accidents: The Complete Guide

Name: Bretz Chiropractic Clinic
Address: 3436 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL, 34239, US
Telephone: (941) 921-2225
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

Every Florida driver carries $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection — but most have no idea how to use it, what the deadlines are, or how a chiropractic exam within 14 days protects the entire benefit.

Book an Appointment Call (941) 921-2225

Sarasota driver after a car accident reviewing insurance paperwork

What Personal Injury Protection actually is

Personal Injury Protection — PIP — is the coverage every registered Florida driver is required to carry as part of the state's no-fault auto insurance system. It pays your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages after a crash, regardless of who caused the accident. The core benefit is $10,000 per person, per accident, and it becomes available the moment the crash happens — no lawsuit, no fault determination, no waiting.

The 14-day rule that costs drivers the most

Since 2013, Florida statute requires that you be examined by a qualifying medical provider within 14 days of the accident. Not scheduled — actually seen. Miss that window and your PIP benefits drop to zero. The provider you see must qualify under the statute: MD, DO, chiropractor, dentist, hospital, or EMT. A chiropractic exam within 14 days satisfies the rule. Read our detailed 14-day rule guide →

Emergency medical condition — the second gate

The 14-day exam is one hurdle. The second is the emergency medical condition (EMC) determination. If the examining provider documents an EMC — reasonable medical probability of serious jeopardy, impairment, or dysfunction without immediate care — you get access to the full $10,000. Without an EMC determination, PIP is capped at $2,500. Chiropractors, MDs, DOs, dentists, and PAs are all authorized to make the EMC call.

What PIP pays for

80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses (chiropractic, medical, dental, MRI, rehab).
60% of lost wages, up to policy limit.
$5,000 in death benefits (separate from the $10,000 medical benefit).
Mileage to and from medical appointments in some cases.

What PIP does NOT pay for

Massage therapy or acupuncture (excluded by statute since 2013).
Pain and suffering — that requires a separate bodily injury claim.
Care after the $10,000 (or $2,500 without EMC) benefit is exhausted.
Care from a provider you saw after the 14-day window.

How Bretz Chiropractic handles your PIP claim

Same-day accident exams. Direct billing to your PIP carrier — you pay nothing at the visit. Documentation formatted to PIP and attorney standards. EMC determination made at the initial exam when clinically justified. Coordination with your personal injury attorney if the case grows beyond PIP. See our full auto accident program →

When to call an attorney

If injuries are significant (surgery, permanent impairment, extended time off work) or the other driver was clearly at fault, a personal injury attorney can pursue a bodily injury claim beyond PIP. We work with several Sarasota-area PI attorneys and are happy to make an introduction. More on when to hire an attorney →

Quick checklist for the first 14 days

Report the crash to your insurance carrier the same day.
Get a copy of the police report as soon as it is available.
Schedule a chiropractic or medical exam within 72 hours — even if you feel okay.
Bring insurance card, accident report, and photos to the exam.
Describe every symptom honestly, including things you might dismiss (headaches, sleep changes, dizziness).
Follow the treatment plan and keep every appointment — gaps in care hurt both recovery and the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Up to $10,000 in medical and lost-wage benefits per person, per accident, regardless of fault. PIP pays 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages.

Injured in a Sarasota crash?

Same-day PIP exams. Direct billing. Attorney coordination. Call now or book online.