medical_billsWhile filing a personal injury lawsuit will help you recover the costs of your crash, you may have to wait several months—or even a year—before your damages are awarded.

So who's expected to pay for accident-related medical bills in the weeks after your injury? This article explores the most common sources of payment for medical bills incurred by a car accident.

Entities That May Be Liable for Your Medical Bills

The first place to turn for accident payment is your no-fault insurance. Florida requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in order to drive legally. Under Florida's personal injury laws, your PIP insurance pays for 80 percent of your bills and 60 percent of lost wages, regardless of who's at fault for a crash.

If medical costs exceed your no-fault insurance policy limits, you may be able to file additional claims through:

  • Your optional car insurance. Although they're not required by Florida law, additional forms of car insurance coverage such as bodily injury liability and uninsured motorist coverage will pay for crash-related injuries. If you purchased these policies, they might benefit you in the long run.
  • Your health insurance provider. If your medical bills exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, your health insurance provider may pay for the remainder of the costs. This includes insurance provided by an employer, Medicare, or a state-run Medicaid insurance program.
  • Workers’ compensation. If your accident occurred in the course of your employment, your workers’ compensation insurer is responsible for all of your medical costs. You don't have to exhaust your PIP, pay any copays or deductibles, or pay for travel expenses to and from doctors’ appointments.
  • The at-fault driver’s insurer. If your insurance is exhausted, you may be able to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance carrier.

If you're having trouble paying your medical bills after a car accident, we can help. Simply fill out the quick contact form on this page today to schedule your free case evaluation and have our attorneys explain your options.

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