Who is Responsible for Paying My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
When someone is injured during a car accident, one of the first things they worry about relates to medical bills. Namely, who is going to pay for the treatment?
Yes, a settlement may be on the way, but it’s not going to pay for immediate medical expenses. The ambulance company, emergency room doctor and radiologist will start sending invoices to your doorstep almost immediately.
Florida is a No-Fault State
In the Sunshine state, drivers who carry Personal Injury Protection, or no-fault insurance, will have some of their medical bills paid by their insurance carrier.
Regardless as to whether you were at fault or if the accident was the result of the other driver, PIP will start to pay your bills immediately.
Yet you’ll want to keep in mind that the PIP payout limit caps at $10, 000. If your bills exceed $10, 000, you will be responsible for covering those expenses.
Uninsured / Under-insured Motorist Coverage
This type of coverage is optional in the state of Florida, but it’s widely recommended that drivers purchase it.
To state it simply, uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage will pay your medical bills if you’re injured as a result of a car accident with a driver who is either uninsured or under-insured. The insurance will also help pay for the medical bills of anyone else who may have been in your car at the time the accident took place.
This type of coverage can be used to pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Long-term care
- Death
- Pain and suffering
- Costs associated with retro-fitting a house to accommodate a disability that’s a direct result of the car accident
Contact a personal injury attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’ll want to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss next steps.
You should also be sure to speak with an attorney that has prior experience in litigating a Naples car accident case.
Not only can the attorney help negotiate with the other party’s car insurance company, they can also help ensure you get proper compensation for your injuries. Never, ever try to negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your own. Remember, the insurance company’s job is to minimize losses. They don’t have your best interests in mind.
If you have questions about how to move forward with a personal injury claim after a Naples car accident, call our office today at 239-649-8050 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney you can trust.
