Auto accidents often leave victims with injuries and mounting medical expenses, adding financial stress to an already critical situation. Depending on your injuries, however, you might need additional compensation. Understanding how these bills are paid in a no-fault state like Florida is essential to protect your rights and financial well-being. Here’s everything you should know:
What Is No-Fault Insurance
All registered Florida vehicle owners and drivers must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000. This system helps reduce delays in receiving treatment and lawsuits for minor injuries. PIP applies regardless of who's at fault for the accident and covers 80% of medical expenses and losses, including:
- Emergency Medical Treatment
- Prescription Medication and Surgeries
- Rehabilitation, Therapy, and Follow-Up Care
- Hospital Stays and Visits
- Lost or Reduced Wages
Although PIP offers immediate access to medical benefits, it has limitations. First, the $10,000 cap can be exhausted fast, especially if your injuries require extended hospital stays or surgeries.
Second, you will still be responsible for the remaining 20% and additional expenses exceeding your coverage limit. Third, many PIP policies have deductibles. For example, you might have to pay the first $1,000 of your bills before acquiring your PIP benefits.
What If The Costs Exceed The PIP Coverage
The standard PIP coverage typically suffices to cover medical costs for injuries sustained from minor accidents. Conversely, bills for serious injuries often surpass the PIP limit. In such cases, you may need to explore other coverage options, such as:
At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Provider
Florida allows victims to file claims against the at-fault party and their insurance provider. This option is ideal if you sustained threshold injuries, such as significant disfigurement and scarring, long-term impairment, permanent disability, or death. Do note that it requires proving the other party’s negligence; hence, working with an experienced lawyer is crucial.
Health Insurance
Your health insurance may cover additional costs, whether Medicare or a state-operated Medicaid program. However, depending on your policy terms, it may involve co-pays, deductibles, and network restrictions. Some providers also require reimbursement if you later recover damages from an at-fault party’s insurance.
Car Insurance
You can pay additional medical costs using a bodily injury liability policy or car insurance. For instance, uninsured motorist (UM) coverages can fill the gap when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to pay your bills.
Workers’ Compensation
If the accident occurred while working, you can use your workers’ compensation for the medical costs exceeding your PIP. With this option, you don’t have to cover deductibles, copayments, or doctor's appointment fees.
Protect Your Rights After An Auto Accident
Tackling medical bills after a car accident requires careful consideration of your circumstances and coverage options. If you or a loved one suffered injuries on the road because of someone else’s negligence, seeking immediate medical and legal aid is paramount. Get more information and explore your legal options with Hale Law’s Florida attorneys today.