A car accident in Miramar can result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills. If you’ve been hurt in a crash due to another driver’s negligence, Viñas & Deluca is here to help. Our experienced car accident lawyer will fight for your rights and work to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call (786) 460-1814 today to schedule your free consultation and get the legal support you deserve.
Understanding How Medical Expenses Work After a Car Accident
After a car accident, one of the first concerns many people have is how they’re going to pay for medical care. Even with health insurance, unexpected expenses can add up quickly. Whether it’s an ambulance ride, emergency room visit, or ongoing physical therapy, medical treatment after a crash often brings both physical and financial stress. In Florida, where Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws apply, the process of covering these costs can be confusing. Knowing your rights and how the system works can help you avoid unnecessary financial setbacks.
The Role of Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. That means your own auto insurance will typically pay for your initial medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. This is done through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is required by law for all drivers in the state.
PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical and certain non-medical costs. It pays:
- 80% of necessary medical bills
- 60% of lost wages
- Up to $5,000 in death benefits
But there are limits. If your injuries are not considered an emergency, you might only receive up to $2,500 in medical coverage. Also, treatment must begin within 14 days of the accident to qualify for benefits. Delays can affect your eligibility.
What PIP Does Not Cover
While PIP offers some help, it’s rarely enough to handle all costs after a serious crash. It does not cover:
- The remaining 20% of your medical bills
- Any expenses beyond the $10,000 limit
- Pain and suffering
- Most out-of-pocket costs like co-pays or deductibles
If your injuries are severe or long-lasting, the PIP coverage will likely run out quickly. When that happens, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, especially if your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold.
When You Can File a Claim Against the Other Driver
In cases where your injuries are considered serious, Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a liability claim or lawsuit. Serious injuries might include:
- Significant or permanent loss of a bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Death
If your case meets these standards, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance. This can help cover medical expenses not paid by PIP, as well as other damages like lost earning capacity and emotional distress.
Health Insurance and Car Accident Injuries
After PIP is exhausted, your health insurance may help cover additional treatment costs. But using your health insurance isn’t always straightforward. Some policies require that you first exhaust your auto insurance benefits. Others may place liens on your settlement if they pay upfront and you later receive compensation through a personal injury claim.
That’s why it’s important to track every bill and stay in communication with both your medical providers and insurance carriers. Your health insurer may ask for reimbursement if they cover treatment that another party ends up paying for later.
Medical Liens and Outstanding Balances
In many car accident cases, providers may agree to treat you under a medical lien. This means they provide care now and get paid later from your settlement or court award. This can be helpful if you don’t have enough insurance coverage upfront, but it can also reduce the amount of money you walk away with in the end.
Some common types of liens in these cases include:
- Hospital liens
- Health insurance liens
- Medicaid or Medicare liens
- Veterans Affairs liens
These liens must usually be resolved before you receive final payment from your settlement. An attorney can help negotiate these amounts to ensure you are not overcharged.
Common Costs You Might Face
Even a relatively minor accident can lead to several types of medical expenses. Some common costs include:
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy or chiropractic care
- Follow-up appointments
- Mental health treatment
For more serious injuries, costs can include long-term care, home modifications, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and future surgeries.
Keeping a detailed record of these expenses is critical. Accurate documentation not only helps ensure you’re reimbursed but also strengthens your claim.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses Matter Too
Aside from direct medical care, car accident victims often face additional out-of-pocket costs. These can include:
- Gas for travel to and from appointments
- Parking fees
- Medical supplies like braces or crutches
- Over-the-counter medications
Even if these costs seem small, they can add up. You should keep receipts and track all related expenses to include them in your injury claim when appropriate.
Working with an Attorney Can Help Maximize Your Compensation
When you’re hurt in a crash, your focus should be on recovery. But dealing with insurance companies, bills, and claims can quickly become overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you:
- Determine if your injuries meet the serious injury threshold
- Gather evidence and medical records
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Identify and reduce any medical liens
- Pursue fair compensation in court if necessary
Legal help is especially valuable if the at-fault driver denies liability or if their insurer tries to minimize your claim. Insurance companies are focused on reducing costs, not necessarily paying for what you truly need.
Car Accident Attorney Ready to Secure Your Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Miramar, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Viñas & Deluca’s car accident attorney is here to help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (786) 460-1814 for a free consultation, and let us help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.