If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, one of the first concerns you’ll likely have is: Who pays my medical bills? Between emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, follow-up care, and physical therapy, medical costs can add up fast.
Understanding how Florida’s insurance laws work—and how different forms of coverage like PIP, health insurance, and liability claims interact—is essential to protecting your financial well-being after a crash.
This guide breaks down the order of payment, what’s covered, and how you can maximize your compensation after a Florida car accident.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System and PIP Coverage
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own auto insurance policy is the first line of coverage for your medical bills—regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
What PIP Covers:
- Up to 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses
- Up to 60% of lost wages
- Maximum coverage of $10,000 for medical and wage benefits combined
Important PIP Limitations:
- PIP only covers emergency medical conditions (EMCs) to the $10,000 limit. If your condition is not classified as an EMC, PIP caps at $2,500.
- PIP does not cover all expenses, meaning injured drivers often have significant out-of-pocket costs after serious crashes.
What If Medical Bills Exceed PIP Coverage?
For more severe injuries, PIP won’t cover all your medical expenses—especially if your injuries require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care. Once PIP is exhausted, you may need to turn to other sources of coverage, including:
Health Insurance
Your private health insurance policy can help pay medical expenses not covered by PIP. However, health insurance plans may:
- Require copayments and deductibles.
- Require you to seek reimbursement from any personal injury settlement you receive.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If you purchased optional MedPay coverage, this can help cover the gap between what PIP covers and your actual medical bills. MedPay is optional in Florida, but it’s a helpful add-on to your auto policy.
Pursuing a Liability Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
If your injuries are serious, Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. A liability claim can help recover compensation for:
- Unpaid medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
To qualify for a liability claim, you must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, which includes:
- Significant or permanent loss of a bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
How Comparative Negligence Affects Medical Bill Reimbursement
If you were partially at fault for the accident, Florida’s comparative negligence rule will reduce the amount of compensation you can recover. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your settlement would be reduced by 20%. However, you can still pursue compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible.
Can Medical Providers Demand Payment from Your Settlement?
Yes. In many cases, healthcare providers and health insurance companies place liens on your personal injury settlement. This means they expect reimbursement for the medical bills they covered once you receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Working with an Attorney Can Help
An experienced personal injury attorney can negotiate with healthcare providers to reduce your medical liens, ensuring you keep more of your final settlement.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Medical Coverage After a Car Accident
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also strengthens your injury claim. - Document All Medical Visits and Costs
Keep track of every bill, receipt, and record associated with your care. - Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
You must notify your PIP carrier to start the coverage process. - Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the interaction between PIP, health insurance, and liability claims can be complicated. An attorney can help coordinate payments, protect your rights, and pursue maximum compensation.
Understanding Your Options for Paying Medical Bills
After a car accident in Florida, understanding who pays for your medical bills is crucial to avoiding financial hardship. While PIP provides the first layer of coverage, serious injuries often require additional compensation through health insurance, MedPay, and liability claims.
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, contact Warren Chin at ECD Law at (941) 366-8888 to discuss your options for covering medical expenses and pursuing compensation.