Handling Your Medical Bills After a Florida Auto Accident
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, Florida recorded a total of 139,970 injury crashes in 2020 alone. Such numbers show that injuries are a common occurrence in car accidents. With an injury, comes the need for you to seek medical attention. In fact, seeking medical attention should be among the first things you do after an accident. Unfortunately, medical care in Florida, and the US, in general, can be expensive. When you suffer a severe injury in an accident, you might have to spend a substantial amount of money on treatment.
Accident victims in Florida have the right to seek compensation from at-fault parties. However, obtaining compensation from an at-fault party can take time. If you were injured in an accident, you require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you can’t sit and wait to seek medical attention after being compensated by an at-fault party.
It is important to note that you are entirely responsible for your medical bills until you obtain compensation from an at-fault party. Fortunately, there are various options that can help you pay for your medical bills before your settlement comes in. Learning about these options can help you avoid feeling confused after an accident. Also, considering that not each accident victim is qualified to file a personal injury lawsuit against another party would help you to know the different options that can help you pay for your medical bills after a Florida car accident.
Florida’s No-Fault Car Insurance Cover
Whether you are involved in a car accident as a motorist in your car, or a passenger in another vehicle, you can claim compensation from your PIP coverage after a Florida auto accident. Regardless of who or what caused the accident, PIP can pay up to $10,000 of your medical costs. Although obtaining compensation from your insurance company should take a relatively short amount of time, you should work with an experienced attorney, because, at times, getting compensation even from your insurance company can be challenging.
Med-Pay
Medical payments coverage or Med-Pay is optional in Florida. Nonetheless, you might benefit a lot if you have this type of coverage in your auto insurance policy. Just like PIP, Med-Pay can cover your medical costs regardless of fault. Depending on the type of coverage, Med-Pay can cater for the amount PIP cannot cover.
Medicare and Medicaid
Government-run programs like Medicare and Medicaid can also come in handy. If you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, these government-run programs can pay your medical bills. Nonetheless, you must note that you may need to repay a Medicare or Medicaid lien when Medicaid or Medicare pays your medical costs.
How Will I Pay My Medicare or Medicaid Lien?
You will most likely be required to repay a Medicaid or Medicare lien if you have a pending personal injury lawsuit. The compensation you obtain from the claim is what you will use to reimburse your lien.
Contact Us for Legal Help
It is crucial for you to determine the best way of handling your medical bills right after your car accident to ensure you protect your health. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at the Pendas Law Firm can advise you accordingly. We can also help you file a lawsuit against an at-fault party and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our offices today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Miami, and West Palm Beach areas.
Resource:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
