If you were hurt in an auto collision, you may have suffered broken bones, a whiplash injury, or even permanent disability. One of your first questions may have been, “Does health insurance cover car accidents in Florida?”
The short answer is that health insurance can cover injuries sustained in Florida car crashes. However, it’s not the primary source of compensation. In this post, an experienced Florida attorney discusses what you need to know about medical coverage policies and car accident injuries.
Florida No-Fault Insurance Laws
In the majority of US states, the at-fault driver’s insurer pays medical claims for all injured parties. However, Florida is one of a dozen states with no-fault insurance laws. This means people injured in auto accidents first turn to their insurance policy for compensation.
For this reason, all registered car owners in Florida must purchase personal injury protection (PIP), which covers the following:
- 80% of accident medical bills, up to the $10,000 PIP maximum per insured person. This includes emergency transport, hospital stays, and doctor’s visits.
- 60% of lost wages and necessary household services, up to the $10,000 PIP maximum per insured person. This benefit applies if you cannot work or perform daily tasks due to injury.
- $5,000 death benefit for each insured person. This amount does not count toward the PIP limit.
Florida accident victims generally cannot seek compensation from their health insurance or the at-fault party unless their injuries meet certain thresholds. These include significant scarring or disfigurement, permanent loss of a critical bodily function, or death.
Sources of Compensation for Florida Car Accidents
What happens if the cost of your injuries exceeds the PIP maximums? Then, does health insurance cover car accidents in Florida?
Florida health insurance claims may cover some medical expenses after a car crash. However, many insurance providers want to know that you’ve exhausted other sources of coverage first. In Florida, you may seek reimbursement from the following parties:
- The at-fault driver’s insurer
- The at-fault driver’s employer, if the accident happened while they were working
- Your workers’ compensation policy, if the accident happened while you were working
- Third parties who contributed to the accident (such as municipalities that failed to maintain the roadway or car manufacturers that produced a defective part)
How To Seek Compensation After a Florida Car Accident
Depending on their circumstances, Florida car accident victims may do one or more of the following:
- File an Auto Insurance Claim: Injured parties must first seek compensation through their car accident insurance coverage. If costs exceed their PIP coverage or their injuries are extensive or permanent, they can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- File a Health Insurance Claim: Once you have used your PIP benefits, you may start the insurance claim process with your healthcare provider. They will likely ask about other potential sources of compensation before covering your injuries, though you may still need to pay deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- File a Personal Injury Claim: Another option for seriously injured victims is filing a car accident injury lawsuit. If another party acted negligently, they may be legally liable for your injuries.
Unlike auto and health insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits allow you to seek additional compensation for damages like emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Contact Us To Learn More About Health Insurance Coverage in Florida Car Accidents
So, does health insurance cover car accidents in Florida? It may pay some expenses after you’ve exhausted your primary sources of coverage. If you need help seeking reimbursement after a car crash, contact Steinberg Law today. We are dedicated to helping South Florida car accident victims understand their legal rights and compensation options. Call us at 877-783-4611 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Car Accident FAQs
Does health insurance cover medical bills after a car accident in Florida?
Yes, health insurance can cover medical expenses, but it typically kicks in after your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits are exhausted.
What is the role of PIP insurance in Florida car accidents?
Florida requires PIP insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses regardless of fault. Health insurance only applies after PIP is used.
Are there limitations to using health insurance for car accident injuries?
Health insurance may exclude certain treatments, require co-pays or deductibles, and could seek reimbursement if you recover compensation from a lawsuit.
Can I choose to rely solely on health insurance instead of PIP?
No, Florida law mandates that PIP is the primary coverage for car accident injuries. Health insurance acts as secondary coverage in most cases.
Will my health insurance premiums increase after a car accident?
Typically, health insurance premiums don’t increase due to a car accident claim, but it depends on your policy and provider. Auto insurance claims are more likely to affect rates.
