Florida’s PIP Laws Just Changed. Here’s What That Means If You’re in a Car Accident

By: Jaime Suarez – Mr. 786 Abogado

If you’ve ever been in a car crash in Florida, you’ve probably heard of Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. It’s part of every auto insurance policy in the state and is supposed to cover your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident.

Prior to 2023, the main tool insured and medical providers had to ensure insurance companies fulfilled their obligations to pay valid claims on a timely basis was the provision of attorney’s fees to the successful plaintiff’s. The threat of paying these attorney fees kept the insurance companies honest.

But in 2023, Florida lawmakers made a major change to how PIP claims are handled. If you’re injured in a car accident today, the rules are no longer the same — and it’s left many accident victims and healthcare providers without the legal protections they used to rely on.

Here’s what changed, how it affects your rights, and what you need to know moving forward.

What Changed With Florida’s PIP Law?

In March 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 837 (HB 837), a tort reform law that significantly impacted injury claims. One of the biggest changes was the elimination of “one-way attorney’s fees” in PIP cases.

Under the previous law, if you filed a valid lawsuit against your insurance company for wrongfully denying or underpaying your PIP claim — and you won — the insurer had to pay your attorney’s fees.

That rule gave regular people and small medical providers a chance to hold powerful insurance companies accountable. HB 837 removed that provision. Now, even if you win your case, you’re responsible for your own legal fees.

Why That Rule Was So Important

One-way attorney’s fees weren’t just about money. They were about fairness.

Insurance companies have deep pockets, teams of lawyers, and the resources to stall or deny claims. Most accident victims don’t. This law helped level the playing field by making sure injured people and small businesses could fight back without going into debt.

It also discouraged insurers from playing games. If they wrongfully delayed or denied a claim, they risked paying not just the benefit — but also your legal fees. That pressure helped get claims resolved faster and more fairly.

Without that protection, the system has become much harder for the average person to navigate.

What We’re Seeing Now

Since HB 837 became law, the impact has been immediate and noticeable.

• PIP lawsuits have dropped significantly. Many people simply can’t afford to pursue claims anymore.
• Attorneys have become far more selective. If the case isn’t high-dollar or extremely clear-cut, it may not make financial sense to take it.
• Insurance companies are pushing back harder. With no attorney fee risk on the table, they have little incentive to settle quickly or fairly.

This isn’t about reducing fraud. It’s about shifting power — and unfortunately, it’s made it easier for insurers to deny legitimate claims with minimal consequences.

How It’s Affecting Real People

If you’re injured in a car accident in Florida today, you may find your PIP benefits:

• Delayed for months,
• Disputed with little explanation, or
• Denied altogether, even when your injuries and treatment are legitimate.

Many injured individuals don’t even realize the law has changed. They expect the system to work as it always did, only to discover that their options are far more limited — especially when it comes to legal representation.

The Effect on Medical Providers

It’s not just patients who are feeling the pressure. Medical providers are also suffering under the weight of this reform.

Previously, if a clinic or doctor treated a patient injured in a crash and the PIP insurer refused to pay, they could pursue payment through the courts. And if they prevailed, the insurer covered their legal fees.

Now, those same providers are left with unpaid bills and no realistic path to recovery. Many are:

• Absorbing losses or turning away accident victims,
• Requiring upfront payment from patients, or
• Sending bills to collections — often harming the patient’s credit.

This creates a chilling effect across the board. Fewer providers are willing to treat injury patients, and those who do face increasing financial strain.

What You Should Do After a Crash in Florida

In light of these changes, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself. Here’s what we recommend:

• Seek medical treatment immediately. Delays in care can harm both your health and your case.
• Save every piece of documentation. Keep records of medical bills, communications with insurers, denial letters, and anything else tied to your claim.
• Don’t accept a low settlement without speaking to an attorney. Insurers are counting on you not to fight back.
• Consult an attorney as early as possible. There may be other legal options available, such as a bodily injury claim or uninsured motorist coverage, even if your PIP claim seems uncertain.

How Mr. 786 Abogado Can Help

At the Law Offices of Jaime Suarez, we’ve adjusted our approach to meet the challenges of Florida’s new legal landscape. While HB 837 has changed the rules, it hasn’t changed our commitment to protecting the injured.

We focus on building stronger cases from the beginning — with detailed documentation, proactive medical coordination, and aggressive negotiation. And when litigation is necessary, we explore every possible path to compensation beyond PIP, including bodily injury liability and UM/UIM claims.

You may not be able to rely on the courts the way you could before, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With the right strategy, you can still secure the recovery you deserve.

Final Thoughts

HB 837 didn’t just change a law — it changed the balance of power between injured people and insurance companies. But the system isn’t completely broken. With the right legal team on your side, you still have options.

If your PIP claim is being delayed, underpaid, or denied, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the more we can do to help.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, call Jaime “Mr. 786Abogado” Suarez today to Get You Paid!