After being in an auto accident, one thing that is sure to change is the amount of mail you receive. Don’t be surprised if your mailbox starts getting stuffed each day with all types of communications and documents regarding your accident. In particular, try not to get too frightened if you start receiving medical bills in the mail.
What to Do With Medical Bills After a Car Accident
When you receive medical bills, forward them to your lawyer. All of your medical bills, total charges, and outstanding balances need to be totaled for your claim to be accurate. The names of all your medical providers need to also be recorded and kept in one place. Get them sent directly to your attorney’s office so they can keep track of them.
This is especially important if your medical provider or healthcare insurance company has not been in direct contact with your attorney. The sooner your legal representation and healthcare provider connect and network, the simpler your case will be.
In some cases, you can authorize your healthcare provider to send copies of your bills and important updates to your medical records directly to your attorney’s office for fast reference while developing your claim.
Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Florida?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, there are a few different ways your medical bills could be paid. Many of your bills should be covered if you have auto insurance, health insurance, or Med-Pay. If you don’t have any of these things, you may be responsible for paying the bills yourself.
You may also be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s bodily injury insurance or your uninsured motorist coverage. If you have any questions about who will pay your medical bills, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance in Florida
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents. Under Florida’s no-fault system, drivers must have personal injury protection insurance coverage (PIP.) PIP pays for a percentage of your medical bills and lost wages if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.
PIP insurance will cover 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages, up to $10,000. It is important to note that PIP does not cover property damage.
PIP only pays medical benefits if you receive medical care within 14 days of the car accident. It is important to seek treatment immediately after an auto accident.
What PIP Insurance Covers
Your PIP insurance may cover the following:
- Hospital, ambulance, and nursing services
- Follow-up care
- Medical, surgical, dental, rehabilitative, and surgical services
PIP doesn’t cover:
- Treatment from facilities that are not medically licensed
- Acupucuntre and massage therapy
- Injuries because of self-harm
- Injuries suffered while committing a felony
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In car accidents caused by uninsured drivers, accident victims may be able to file a claim with their own insurance company. Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional type of insurance that pays for medical bills and other damages caused by an uninsured driver.
Health Insurance
If you have health insurance in Florida, your health insurance company could also cover your medical bills. Most health insurance policies have a deductible that you must meet before the insurance company starts paying your medical bills. Once you’ve met your deductible, the insurance company will typically pay a portion of your bill, and you are responsible for paying the rest. If your health insurance makes payments because of an accident, your health insurance may want to be reimbursed from any settlement you may receive.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If you have been injured in a Florida car accident and your car insurance policy includes Med-pay, you may be entitled to full payment of your medical bills up to a specific amount.
Medpay is additional coverage that ensures that 100% of your medical expenses are paid up to your coverage limit. For example, if you elect to carry $10,000 in MedPay, your medical bills will be covered up to $20,000 ($10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in MedPay).
Will PIP Pay My Medical Bills If I Don’t Own a Car?
If you don’t own a car in Florida, you may still be able to get your medical bills paid through PIP. If you live with a relative who owns a vehicle in Florida, you may be covered under their policy. You may also be covered if you were injured while a passenger in someone else’s car. If you’re not sure if you’re covered, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Suing the At-Fault Driver
If you don’t have health insurance, you will be responsible for paying your own medical bills. This can be a difficult financial burden to bear, especially if you cannot work due to your injuries.
You may still be able to recover compensation for your medical bills by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to advise you on the best course of action in your particular case.
You can sue a driver who caused an accident if:
- Your damages exceed the limit of your PIP coverage
- You suffered permanent injury
Permanent Injury
Florida recognizes four types of permanent injuries that qualify for no-fault exemptions. These include:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent injury other than scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Filing A Lawsuit
If you decide to file a lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident and that your injuries were caused by the accident. This can be done through evidence such as witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and your medical records.
An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case. They will also handle all of the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Additional Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In addition to your medical bills, you may also be able to recover other damages in a personal injury lawsuit. These can include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value attached to them. This could include things like your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify because they do not have a specific monetary value. These could include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their negligence and deter them from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
What Should I Do If My Car Insurance Company Doesn’t Pay?
If your auto insurance company doesn’t pay your medical bills, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve and make sure that your medical bills are paid. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.
How Do I Make Sure Medical Bills Get Paid?
If you have been in an accident, you should report the claim to your insurance company. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, can take days or even weeks to manifest.
Once you have seen a doctor, send any bills you receive to your lawyer. We can help you keep track of them and ensure you are fully reimbursed for your covered expenses.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
At The Fran Haasch Law Group in Florida, we try to connect with our client’s cases as possible. In many cases, this means interacting with our clients’ healthcare providers and insurance companies, allowing us to get the information we need from them sooner to build even better claims.It all comes back to doing all we can to secure the best possible outcome for the people who come to us for legal help and moral support. To learn about The Fran Haasch Law Group and our legal services, Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online.
