Dear Miami Car Accident Lawyer:
I’ve been involved in a car accident in South Florida. It was kind of my friend’s fault, who was driving, so I’m not trying to sue her or anything. Ever since the accident I am in pain. I don’t have any health insurance and I haven’t seen a doctor. I would like to see one but I just can’t afford it. I’m afraid to go to the emergency room because I don’t have the time or the money for a big bill. I don’t think I am that badly hurt, but I wouldn’t mind getting it checked out. How do I get my medical bills paid after a car accident? I don’t own a car but I live at home with my mom who does and I don’t want her insurance to get involved or nothing. Can you help?
Thanks,
Injured in Kendall
Dear Kendall:
Thank you for your email. I am sorry you were involved in this accident but am very happy to hear that you are not seriously hurt. Based upon what you have told me, even though your friend may have been at fault for the accident, your mom’s PIP insurance would be primarily responsible for paying your medical expenses (assuming that you live with her).
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnzzwwTcPfU[/youtube]br />
Many people who are hurt in Florida car accidents are surprised to learn that their own PIP insurance is responsible for the first $10,000 of their medical bills, even when they are not responsible for causing the accident. Your mother’s insurance will be the first to pay since you live with her and she owns a car. There may be a deductible that will be applied to your bills. If you do not live with her, your friend’s PIP insurance would be paying.
Florida’s Governor Rick Scott recently revamped our PIP laws. His changes now make it much more difficult to get medical bills paid after a car accident. There are also a lot of new restrictions limiting what kind of healthcare provider will qualify for PIP payment. I blogged about this recently for the Huffington Post in my article “Rick Scott’s PIP Dream Comes True.”
I strongly recommend that you go to the emergency room or a medical doctor who is qualified to evaluate a trauma injury. Your health is much more important that the potential cost. I have had cases where a seemingly minor injury turned fatal. I don’t want this to happen to you.
Our office offers free consultations to anyone needs a personal injury lawyer in Florida. Feel free to contact me at your convenience for any other questions you may have.
Respectfully,
Spencer Aronfeld
