After a car accident, one of the first concerns people face is how they will pay for their medical treatment. Emergency room visits, surgeries, follow-up care, physical therapy, and prescription medications can add up quickly. Understanding who is responsible for car accident medical bills is critical and complex. Are you looking for an experienced car accident lawyer in Tampa? Brooks Law Group is proud to step up to the plate. Below, we’re breaking down how medical bills are typically handled after an accident and how our attorneys help protect your rights.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rule: What It Means for Medical Bills
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means that after a car accident, each driver turns to their own insurance company to cover medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. Under Florida law, all drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP typically covers up to 80% of your car accident medical bills, up to $10,000.
However, there are several caveats:
- The treatment must be sought within 14 days of the accident.
- PIP doesn’t cover all medical costs, especially in serious injury cases.
- If medical bills exceed the $10,000 limit, you may need to file accident medical claims through other means.
If you’re staring at an ever-growing pile of medical bills after your crash, this is likely concerning, especially if you’ve already maxed out your PIP coverage.
What happens when PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage isn’t enough?
Many serious car accidents result in injuries that cost far more than the $10,000 PIP will pay. If you have suffered severe injuries or permanent damage, your next step may be to pursue a car accident settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance. This is where the guidance of a skilled car accident lawyer is essential.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney can help you:
- Gather and present medical records as evidence to support your claim
- Calculate the full scope of your current and future medical expenses
- Deal with insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your compensation
- File a personal injury lawsuit if a fair car accident settlement cannot be reached.
If your lawyer does have to pursue litigation, the at-fault driver’s insurance could be responsible for some (or all) of your medical costs.
Who else might pay for my car accident medical bills?
Besides PIP and the at-fault driver’s insurance, there are other potential sources to help cover your car accident medical bills.
Speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident!
1. Health insurance
Your health insurance can cover some medical costs that PIP does not. However, health insurers often expect reimbursement from your car accident settlement once the case is resolved. This is a process known as subrogation.
2. MedPay Coverage
If you purchased Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, this optional coverage can help pay medical expenses that Personal Injury Protection doesn’t fully cover.
3. The at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability Insurance
If another driver was clearly at fault and your injuries are severe, your car accident lawyer may pursue a claim against their bodily injury liability insurance.
The specific circumstances of your crash, and even where your accident happened, can affect your claim, as different states handle insurance and medical payments differently. Brooks Law Group specializes in Tampa car accident cases, and we’re equipped to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
How a Tampa car accident lawyer can help you after your accident:
If you’re in the Tampa area, filing car accident medical bills claims requires complying with state-specific deadlines and documentation requirements. Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a car accident. However, the sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and maximizing your success (and your compensation).
Working with a local car accident attorney familiar with the Tampa courts and insurance landscape can significantly improve your chances of a successful car accident settlement. Navigating the legal process on your own can be overwhelming, especially while you’re recovering from your injuries. As experienced car accident lawyers, we handle the legal legwork, advocate for your rights, and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for:
- emergency room visits
- ongoing treatment and surgeries
- physical therapy and rehabilitation
- lost wages due to time off work
- pain and suffering
At our Tampa law firm, we understand the challenges you face after a car crash. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay for nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Brooks Law Group about paying for your medical bills after your accident!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Central Florida, don’t wait to get the help you need. An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing medical claims after your car accident. We negotiate a settlement and ensure your medical bills are paid without causing you further financial hardship.
Book your free case evaluation today and let us fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. After your car accident, you can look to Brooks, knowing there are people in your corner ready to help.
