How to Get Your Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident

7 Possible Resources

Understanding your payment options for medical expenses and lost wages after a Florida car accident

Florida Car Accident Medical Bill Payment Options

Understanding your options for medical and financial recovery after a car accident is crucial. Here are 7 common resources that may help cover your bills in Florida.

Payment Resources for Car Accident Bills

1. Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP)/No Fault Benefits

Florida law requires every driver to have this resource. This is money for your medical expenses and may pay 80% of your lost wages up to $10,000. For serious injuries, there are expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

  • Required to cover:
  • -You
  • -Family members that reside with you
  • -You riding in another car
  • -You as a pedestrian
  • -You as a bicyclist
  • -In some cases, the passengers of your car
  • You do not need to repay these benefits!
  • Pitfall: You must treat for your injuries by a physician within 14 days of the accident, otherwise your PIP benefit may be limited to $2,500.00.
  • Pitfall: If you have a primary doctor that has the ability to diagnose you with an EM/PC (Emergency Medical Condition), otherwise your PIP benefit may be limited to $2,500.00.

2. Health Insurance

Can pay for medical care with doctors within its plan.

  • Does not cover lost wages
  • Does NOT have to be repaid if you receive a settlement
  • Many primary doctors now recommend in treating car accident patients. If your primary doctor recommends it to you, ask for a recommendation for another doctor.

3. Medical Payments Coverage

Included on some motor vehicle policies.

  • Pays medical expenses regardless of your medical care
  • Does not cover lost wages
  • Does NOT have to be repaid if you receive a settlement

4. Letters of Protection

A promise from the injured person and his/her lawyer to pay the doctor at the conclusion of your case.

  • Does not cover lost wages
  • Does NOT protect your credit

5. Workers' Compensation

Provides medical care, but the injury must be work-related or on company time.

  • Can pay for some lost wages
  • Has to be repaid if you receive a settlement from a third party
  • Many doctors are reluctant to see workers' compensation patients as they believe some people fake injuries to receive benefits. Many clinics and doctors are almost always selected by employer or their insurance carrier.

6. Medicare

Accessible if you have reached full retirement age (65+) or if you are on Social Security Disability for two years, or if you have certain illnesses.

  • Typically no limits to any type of doctor, hospital, or diagnostic center
  • MUST be repaid if you receive a settlement. Medicare can become involved in your case, requiring a special trust for future medical care.
  • NOT required to be repaid if you receive a settlement

7. Medicaid

Provides very basic treatment.

  • Can pay hospital bills, some diagnostic tests, and some ongoing care by doctor.
  • Does not cover lost wages
  • Does not provide for extreme injury cases, due to the limited amount of doctors willing to accept it.
  • MUST be repaid if you receive a settlement.

Important Things to Remember About Florida Car Accident Bills

Time-Sensitive Requirements

  • ⚠️See a physician within 14 days to preserve full PIP benefits
  • ⚠️Report the accident to your insurance company immediately
  • ⚠️Keep all medical records and bills organized

Key Florida Laws

  • 📋Florida is a no-fault state requiring PIP coverage
  • 📋Minimum PIP coverage is $10,000 for medical expenses
  • 📋Some benefits must be repaid if you receive a settlement

STRUGGLING TO PAY YOUR BILLS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

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