Being involved in an accident and sustaining injuries can be unnerving, if not traumatic. When you are faced with the prospect of mounting medical bills, it can seem daunting. Fortunately, you do have some recourse and help available for handling those bills.
Insurance
By law, Florida drivers must have car insurance in order to drive on Florida roadways. Florida is a no-fault insurance state; regardless of who is at fault for the accident, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or No-Fault Insurance will cover your initial medical bills.
This insurance has limits, and once those limits are met, they stop paying. Additionally, your PIP will only cover certain things. It will cover up to $10,000 of your bodily injury or sickness incurred from the accident. A qualified healthcare provider will first need to determine you had an emergency medical condition as a result of the accident. If you don’t have an emergency medical condition, you will qualify for $2,500 for your medical bills.
Another thing to be aware of is that you must be seen by a doctor and receive care within 14 days of the accident, otherwise, you will not be covered. If you are in a car accident, it is imperative you see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Also, massage and acupuncture are no longer considered eligible treatments.
Payment of Medical Bills After PIP
Your PIP will cover up to 80 percent of initial medical bills. After that, if you have health insurance, it should kick in and begin to pay a percentage of the remaining bills. If the other person is at fault for the accident, his or her insurance company might offer to pay some of your medical costs. It is important that you do not accept the money offered by the other insurance company before you have fully recovered from your injuries. If you do and are later found to have some residual health issues related to the accident, you will have to pay out-of-pocket. Accepting money from the other driver’s insurance company may release the driver and the insurance company from any further obligation to pay your medical bills.
The lawyers at Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., are specialists in personal injury law. We understand all the nuances of this type of litigation, so if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call us for a complimentary initial consultation. We can also help you identify the available payment options for your medical bills. We proudly serve those living in the Englewood, Port Charlotte and North Port areas as well as the surrounding southwest Florida region. Contact us for an appointment.