Does Health Insurance Really Cover Car Accidents in Florida?

If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, you’re probably wondering how to handle the medical bills. Does your health insurance cover the costs, or does your auto insurance policy take care of it? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but understanding the ins and outs can save you a lot of headaches and money.

When Auto Insurance Should Cover Medical Expenses

In Florida, the law mandates that all drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP is designed to cover reasonable medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Here’s what you need to know about PIP coverage in Florida:

• It provides up to $10,000 in coverage for medical bills and lost wages.
• It covers 80% of all medical bills related to the accident.
• It covers 60% of lost wages due to disability or missed work time.
• It provides $5,000 in death benefits if there is a fatality.

The expenses covered by PIP include:

• General practitioner and specialist care
• Ambulance rides
• Diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRIs
• Follow-up doctor visits and examinations
• Surgery
• Hospitalization
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

Since PIP coverage is mandatory in Florida, your auto insurance should be the primary source of payment for medical expenses resulting from a car accident. This coverage ensures that you can seek immediate medical attention without worrying about upfront costs or deductibles.

When Health Insurance Might Come Into Play

While auto insurance should cover the majority of your medical expenses, there are situations where your health insurance may also be involved:

1. PIP Coverage Exhausted: If your medical bills exceed the $10,000 PIP coverage limit, your health insurance may kick in to cover the remaining costs.

2. Additional Medical Payments Coverage: Some auto insurance policies include an optional Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage, which can help pay for additional medical expenses not covered by PIP.

3. Liability Coverage: If the other driver was at fault and their liability coverage exceeds your PIP and Med Pay limits, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance to cover the remaining medical expenses.

It’s important to note that if you rely on your health insurance to cover accident-related medical expenses, you may be responsible for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance as outlined in your health insurance policy.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney

While navigating the complexities of auto insurance and PIP coverage can be challenging, a personal injury attorney can be invaluable in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

An experienced car accident lawyer can:

• Help you understand your rights and the available insurance coverage.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
• Gather and present evidence to support your claim.
• Represent you in court if a lawsuit is necessary.

If your injuries exceed the available insurance coverage, a personal injury attorney can also explore the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover additional damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents can be traumatic and financially devastating, but understanding your insurance coverage can alleviate some of the stress. In Florida, your auto insurance should be the primary source of payment for medical expenses resulting from a car accident, thanks to the mandatory PIP coverage.

However, if your medical bills exceed the PIP limits or the other driver was at fault, your health insurance and the other party’s liability coverage may come into play. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance from a qualified personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.