Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Florida?

The moments following a car accident can be chaotic and stressful, especially when you’re left worrying about the ensuing medical bills. If you’re a resident of Florida or have recently been involved in a car accident in the state, you should know that 80 percent of your medical bills and 60 percent of your lost wages are covered by personal injury protection (PIP).

Find Medical Care After a Car Accident

Florida operates under a No-Fault car insurance system, significantly influencing how medical expenses are handled after an accident. Most drivers know they have PIP but don’t understand how it’s used until they get into a car accident. 

Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Car Insurance System

Florida’s no-fault insurance laws are designed to streamline the process for compensation, but they can be complex to understand. Under the No-Fault system, regardless of who caused the accident, your own car insurance company will pay for some or all of your medical bills—as long as the expenses are reasonable, necessary, and related to the accident. The goal of no-fault insurance is to provide prompt medical treatment without the need for lengthy legal battles over who bears the financial responsibility. Here’s what you need to know:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage in Florida

Florida law requires every driver to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is designed to cover your medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages, up to the limit of your policy. It’s worth noting that PIP not only covers the policyholder but often extends to household members, passengers who don’t have PIP Insurance, and individuals operating your vehicle with permission.

However, PIP only covers 80% of your medical costs—so, if your medical treatment totals $5,000, PIP will cover $4,000, and you’ll be responsible for the remaining $1,000. Policies may include deductibles and coverage limits, which can affect the out-of-pocket costs for insured individuals.

Bear in mind that getting your medical expenses covered is contingent on seeking medical attention within 14 days of the accident!

When PIP Applies and How to Use It

Florida’s no-fault laws stipulate that after an auto accident, individuals involved must file a claim with their own insurance. This claim should cover a segment or all of their medical expenses resulting from the crash. Here’s what happens depending on your coverage:

• Medicare or State Insurance: If you are insured through Medicare or a state program, you’ll need to submit your medical bills and receipts to these providers for payment.

• Medical Payment Coverage: Should your auto insurance policy include Medical Payment coverage, this benefit is used to pay for your medical bills as you recover.

• No Government or Medical Payments Coverage: If you’re not covered by government insurance and lack Medical Payment coverage, and your insurer refuses the bills, the financial responsibility lies with you.

Other Methods of Receiving Compensation

Should your PIP coverage be insufficient to cover your medical bills or you’ve suffered serious injury, it’s worth exploring other avenues of compensation. This could involve:

• Looking for additional compensation in your insurance portfolio. Aside from the standard liability coverage, are you holding any additional policies? Your health insurance may offer relief by covering your medical expenses. Be sure to understand what your healthcare policy covers in terms of accident-related injuries.
• Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage for bodily injury liability. Personal injury lawyers can aid in this process.

• Utilizing Medical Payments coverage, which can help to pay for your treatments up to the coverage limits.
• Relying on the at-fault party’s insurance. If the other driver is at-fault, you can file a claim against their liability insurance.
• Holding Employers Accountable.  When an employee causes an accident while working, their employer might be responsible. 

The Importance of Seeing a Doctor Immediately

It’s paramount to see a doctor right away for both medical and legal reasons. Immediate medical attention ensures your injuries are properly documented—an essential part of the claims process. Delays in medical care can not only aggravate injuries but also weaken your case for receiving PIP benefits and other compensatory claims.

Why Should I Seek Immediate Care?

The statutory limitations underscore the urgency of seeking medical advice immediately after an accident. Even if you feel unharmed, it is crucial to get evaluated by a health professional who can recognize the full extent of any injuries sustained—some of which may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye.

Early Detection: Ensuring Emotional and Physical Stability

Emotional Stability

Car accidents can leave behind unseen scars. The random nature and violence of a crash can lead to stress disorders such as PTSD. An early visit to the doctor can help pinpoint these issues and lay the groundwork for coping strategies and, if necessary, professional mental health support.

Severity of Injuries

Some injuries, like whiplash, only become noticeable days after the initial trauma. Seeking medical attention right after an accident allows healthcare providers to establish a baseline of your health, making it easier to attribute future health issues directly to the incident.

Uncovering Hidden Injuries

Internal bleeding or concussions can have latent repercussions. A medical check-up facilitates early intervention, which can significantly alter recovery paths, minimize long-term damage, and sometimes, may even save lives.

Protect Yourself on Florida Roads

Understanding your insurance coverage and Florida’s No-Fault laws is essential as a driver in the Sunshine State. If you’re involved in a car accident, remember that your PIP coverage is there as an immediate source to help with medical bills and lost wages and contact Complete Care for a fully integrated injury care solution to recover from a car accident. 

Request An Appointment