Can I Still Get Medical Bills Paid If I Was At Fault In An Accident?
Being involved in a car accident in Florida may be stressful and overwhelming. Florida is a no-fault state regarding auto accidents, meaning that all drivers must carry their insurance to cover the costs of their medical bills in case of a car accident. Personal injury law is complex, so you should consider seeking legal assistance from a personal injury lawyer.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident
All Florida drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP). A Personal Injury Protection (PIP) car insurance policy can cover up to 80% of the medical bills and 60% of the lost wages up to $10,000. As stated by Florida's No-Fault Auto Insurance laws, all drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 of PIP coverage to register and operate a vehicle.
Suppose you are heading to the emergency room, then the hospital will first bill your PIP insurance and then go for other insurance sources. Even more interesting is that the PIP insurance does not just cover the person listed as a driver on the insurance policy. But it also covers any family members that live in the house. Someone injured in a car accident can look to other household members to check whether the PIP coverage can step in for their medical bills.
There are still some exceptions where PIP insurance does not apply, such as passengers in buses and public transport or passengers in taxis or ridesharing.
However, while PIP insurance may be efficient for those not having permanent injuries or pain, PIP is not equipped to handle significant trauma.
Other Options Available to Pay for Your Medical Costs
Aforementioned, your PIP insurance will be billed first before looking for other sources of insurance. If you are at fault for a Florida car accident, there are several options available to pay for your medical costs, such as:
MedPay
Medical Payment Insurance Coverage or MedPay is an optional benefit that can help cover your Miami car accident costs. Depending on your selection coverage, MedPay can cover expenses PIP insurance does not reimburse. Moreover, MedPay covers your PIP's co-pay for up to $2,000. This insurance consists of additional coverage to pay for any medical bills. MedPay covers 100% of your medical bills, while PIP covers only 80%.
Health Insurance
If your medical bills exceed the total amount of your auto insurance, learn that you can submit a claim to your health insurance providers at this stage. However, you may need to exhaust as much as possible through your car insurance before heading to health care benefits.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid are federal programs that may help you pay for your medical bills if you are involved in a car accident. You will, however, be asked to reimburse some or all of these costs.
Workers' compensation
Suppose you have been involved in a car accident while performing your job-related duties. In that case, your employer's workers' compensation coverage must pay all your medical bills and deductibles (co-pays, transportation expenses, and the like).
What Losses Will My Insurance Cover If I'm at Fault?
If you are at fault for a car accident, learn that you can be sued for damages if the victim has sustained significant scarring, disfigurement, permanent disabilities, loss of body function, or if someone has died. Additionally, you can be sued for damages such as:
Medical bills and expenses (therapy costs, long-term personal care, in-home health care)
Loss of quality of life or enjoyment of life
Loss of income and benefits
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Travel costs to and from medical appointments
The personal injury claim's value typically depends on many factors, including the type of injury, the severity of the injury, or total financial losses.
Regardless of who was at fault in Miami, Florida, all drivers turn to their PIP insurance. The insurance will pay for your medical bills and other injury-related losses after a car accident. However, PIP insurance usually does not cover your car repairs or further property damage, so you may need to purchase collision coverage in addition to PIP.
Being in a no-fault state may have more significant advantages, as you will receive your compensation faster. You won't need to prove fault to receive your benefits because each driver or victim will file a claim with the PIP insurance company to get coverage.