Who Pays Medical Bills After A Florida Car Accident?

Getting into a car accident in Florida can leave you with serious injuries and expensive medical bills. If the crash wasn’t your fault, you might be wondering who is responsible for paying those costs. Florida has a unique insurance system that affects how medical bills are covered after an accident.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida follows a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that after a car accident, you must first use your own insurance to cover medical expenses, no matter who caused the crash. This coverage comes from your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which all Florida drivers are required to carry.

PIP covers:

• 80% of necessary medical expenses, up to $10,000.

• 60% of lost wages if you cannot work.

• A $2,500 limit for non-emergency medical conditions.

However, PIP does not cover everything. You could still be responsible for deductibles, copays, and medical costs beyond the $10,000 limit.

When Can You Seek Compensation from the At-Fault Driver?

If your medical bills exceed your PIP coverage, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Florida law allows this if you suffered a “serious injury,” which includes:

• Significant or permanent loss of a bodily function.

• Permanent injury.

• Scarring or disfigurement.

• Death.

Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance can help recover the remaining costs. However, Florida law does not require drivers to carry BIL insurance, meaning the at-fault driver may not have coverage.

What If the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough to cover your expenses, you may be able to turn to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—if you have it. This optional coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Can Health Insurance Help?

Your health insurance can cover medical expenses after PIP is exhausted. However, you may still be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. If you receive a settlement from the at-fault driver, your health insurance provider may require reimbursement for the medical costs they covered.

Medical Payment (MedPay) Coverage

MedPay is an optional insurance add-on in Florida that can help pay medical expenses not covered by PIP. It does not have a deductible and can help cover copays, deductibles, and additional medical bills. Unlike health insurance, MedPay does not require reimbursement if you win a settlement.

Paying Medical Bills While Waiting for a Settlement

If you are pursuing a lawsuit or waiting on an insurance claim, you may still need to pay medical bills in the meantime. Options to manage these costs include:

• Payment plans: Some hospitals and doctors allow you to pay in installments.

• Medical liens: Some providers may agree to treat you and receive payment from your settlement later.

• Litigation financing: Lawsuit loans can cover medical expenses upfront, but they often come with high interest rates.

Need Help After An Accident?

Medical bills after a car accident can add up quickly, but you have options for getting them paid. PIP coverage is the first step, but if your injuries are severe, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault driver or through uninsured motorist coverage. If you are struggling to cover medical costs, an experienced car accident attorney can help you explore your legal options.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, call D2 Law at (800) 790-5641 to discuss your case and learn about your options for recovering medical costs.