How to Handle Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Sarasota

Dealing with medical bills after a car accident can be overwhelming. You’re already trying to recover from your injuries—figuring out how to cover the cost of treatment is just another worry. Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender-bender or a severe collision, the medical bills you face in the aftermath can add up quickly. Understanding your options for paying these bills is crucial, particularly if the accident wasn’t your fault.

In Florida, car accident victims face specific challenges due to the state’s no-fault insurance laws. In this post, we’ll explain how medical bills are handled after a Sarasota car accident and how you can protect yourself financially.

Understanding Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Florida

What Happens to Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

When you’re in a car accident, medical bills start piling up immediately—hospital visits, emergency surgeries, physical therapy, and more.

In Florida, the no-fault insurance law applies after a car wreck. This law requires you to purchase your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance when registering a vehicle in Florida. Under this system, your insurance provider will cover some of your medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident.

“Florida law requires all drivers to carry PIP insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault.”

However, more than $10,000 may be needed, especially if your injuries are severe. Once you exhaust your PIP coverage, you may have to look for other ways to cover the remaining costs.

Common Medical Expenses After a Car Accident

Medical expenses after a car accident can vary depending on your injuries’ severity. Some typical costs accident victims face include:

• Emergency room visits
• Surgeries
• Diagnostic tests (like X-rays or MRIs)
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medication

The cost of these treatments can add up fast, with hospital stays often running thousands of dollars per day.

Insurance Options for Covering Medical Bills

How PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Works in Florida

Florida’s PIP insurance covers immediate medical costs after a car accident, regardless of fault. PIP typically covers:

• 80% of your medical bills up to $10,000.
• 60% of lost wages if you miss work due to injuries.

However, there are limits. If your medical expenses exceed $10,000 or your injuries are severe, you may need to explore other options to recover total compensation.

“PIP covers up to $10,000, but this may barely scratch the surface for serious injuries. Accident victims should understand that PIP doesn’t cover all costs.”

Health Insurance as a Backup Option

If your medical bills exceed what PIP covers, your health insurance may be your next source of compensation. However, knowing how your policy works is essential. Some key points to keep in mind:

• Health insurance will typically kick in after PIP is exhausted.
• Co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-network costs may still apply, which can add up.

You should also check if the medical providers you visit are in your health insurance network. Out-of-network care can lead to significantly higher bills.

Suing the At-Fault Driver for Medical Expenses

In more severe accidents, where injuries result in significant expenses, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver for bodily injuries. In Florida, you can pursue additional compensation if your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, which includes:

• Permanent injury
• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent loss of an essential bodily function

This compensation can cover medical bills beyond your PIP and health insurance limits.

Managing Medical Bills While Awaiting a Settlement

Working with Medical Providers

If you’ve filed a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim, it may be months or even years before you actually receive a settlement.

In the meantime, medical bills keep arriving. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities know this. Thus, they might consent to postpone collecting money while your case is still being processed. Or, they might attach a medical lien to your eventual settlement, meaning they would deduct money from it to cover what you owe or pay you back for payment you’ve already submitted.

“A medical lien ensures that healthcare providers get paid from the settlement once the case is resolved, allowing victims to delay payments while they recover.”

Keeping Track of Medical Costs

Keeping thorough records of all medical treatments and expenses is crucial for your insurance claim and any potential lawsuit. Be sure to:

• Document every visit to the doctor, hospital, or specialist.
• Keep copies of all bills, prescriptions, and medical records.
• Note any additional costs like medical equipment or home care.

The more organized you are, the easier it will be to present these records to your attorney and the insurance company when settling your claim.

How Insurance Companies Handle Medical Bills

Insurance companies consider several factors to calculate medical bills in a settlement. They typically consider:

• The type of medical treatment you received.
• Whether the treatments were reasonable and necessary.
• Any future medical expenses you may incur.

An experienced attorney can help ensure the insurance company doesn’t undervalue your claim. At Buckman & Buckman P.A., we work hard to ensure clients receive the total amount they deserve.

Comparison of Medical Expense Coverage Options After a Car Accident in Florida

Coverage Option	What It Covers	Limits	When It Applies
PIP Insurance	Initial medical bills (hospital, doctor, etc.)	$10,000	Applies first, regardless of fault
Health Insurance	Remaining bills after PIP is exhausted	Varies	If PIP doesn’t cover all expenses
At-Fault Driver’s Insurance	Bills beyond PIP and severe injuries	Varies	When serious injuries allow for additional claims

Common Misconceptions About Car Accident Medical Bills

“PIP Covers All My Medical Bills”

One common misconception is that PIP insurance will cover all medical bills. PIP covers only 80% of your medical expenses up to $10,000. After that, you’re responsible for the remaining 20% and any costs beyond the $10,000 limit.

“I Don’t Need to Pay My Bills Until After I Settle”

Another misconception is that you can always avoid paying medical bills until you settle your personal injury claim. While some providers may allow deferred payment, others may expect payment immediately, leading to collections and damage to your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does PIP insurance work for medical expenses in Sarasota?

PIP covers 80% of your medical bills up to $10,000. It applies regardless of who caused the accident.

What happens if my medical bills exceed $10,000?

If your medical expenses surpass PIP’s limit, you can use your health insurance or file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Can I delay paying medical bills until after my settlement?

Some providers may agree to delay payment, but this isn’t the case all of the time. Be prepared to handle collections or negotiate with your healthcare providers.

Will my health insurance cover costs after PIP is exhausted?

Health insurance can cover the remaining costs, but you may still be responsible for deductibles and co-pays.

Should I hire a personal injury attorney to help with medical bills?

Hiring an attorney can help you navigate complex insurance processes, negotiate with providers, and maximize your compensation.

Get Help with Medical Bills After a Sarasota Car Accident

Managing medical bills after a car accident in Sarasota requires a clear understanding of PIP insurance, health coverage, and possible legal options. Documenting expenses and working with an attorney can significantly reduce the financial strain while you recover.

At Buckman & Buckman P.A., our experienced car accident attorneys can help you navigate these complexities, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. While dealing with medical bills after an accident can be stressful, having the proper legal support can make a difference.

“If you’re facing overwhelming medical bills after a car accident, contact us for a consultation to discuss your options for covering costs and recovering damages.”

Legal Resources

• Sarasota County Bar Association: A directory of local attorneys specializing in personal injury law who can assist with medical bill negotiations and claims.