Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

If you are injured in a car accident in Florida, you may be wondering who is responsible for paying your medical bills. The answer to this question can be complicated and depends on the type of insurance coverage you have and the severity of your injuries. In Florida, there are two types of insurance that cover medical costs associated with a car accident—Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and MedPay.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

The first type of coverage available is Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP is a mandatory form of no-fault insurance that covers medical expenses up to a certain amount, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. PIP coverage typically includes reimbursement for:

• Medical bills (80 percent up to $10,000)
• Lost wages (60 percent up to $10,000)
• Other related expenses incurred as a result of the accident

In some cases, PIP may even pay for funeral costs (up to $5,000) should someone be fatally injured in an auto accident.

What is MedPay?

The second type of insurance available is MedPay, or Medical Payments Coverage. MedPay coverage is optional and covers only medical expenses incurred by those injured in an auto accident. However, unlike PIP, MedPay does not provide any coverage for lost wages or other related expenses—it only covers the cost of medical care, such as hospital visits and medications. Furthermore, MedPay can be used to cover the 20 percent of medical bills that PIP does not cover and funeral expenses beyond what PIP covers.

Personal Injury Claims

It’s important to note that neither policy covers non-economic damages, meaning that in order for you to recover damages like pain and suffering, you’d have to file a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim may also be filed should you attempt to seek medical expenses beyond what your policy covers.

How Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. Can Help You Recover Compensation

At Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., our experienced Florida car accident attorneys can help you recover the maximum amount of compensation for medical expenses and other damages related to your car accident. We understand the complexities of insurance law in Florida and will use our knowledge to get you the justice you deserve.

Contact us today at (850) 629-7226 to learn how we can help.