subject: Receiving Medical Care After Car Accident Lawsuit [print this page] Receiving Medical Care After Car Accident Lawsuit
I live in Florida and I was in a car accident last year, and mycase was handled by an attorney per my spouse advise. Before the case wentto trial I chose not to pursue it. Unfortunately, there were still attorneyfees, so the monies offered by the at fault party was used to cover thoseexpenses, leaving me with a VERY small settlement.
My question is, can i still receive medical care paid for by my medicalcarrier or my auto carrier now? My main concern has always been to continuereceiving medical care, not the money. At this point, I don't know what myoptions/rights are. Im not looking to sue anyone, I just dont want to haveunexpected doctor bills.
Thank you so much.
Answer:
Michelle, in Florida, drivers are require to have Personal InjuryProtection insurance coverage. This is also known as PIP coverage. Youremail says you have a "medical carrier" and an "auto carrier", but you don'tindicate whether you have PIP.
If you do have PIP, that coverage will remain in effect to pay allreasonable and necessary medical bills arising out of the accident until thepolicy limits are exhausted. PIP policy limits on most policies are usually$10,000, although you can elect higher limits. If your policy limits arenot exhausted, you can still seek medical treatment and have the bills paidthrough your PIP coverage. Remember though, that PIP only pays 80% of thebills, not the entire amount, so you may be responsible for a portion of thebills even after PIP pays.
You should also check to see whether your policy had medical paymentscoverage, also known as "medpay". Medpay also will pay for your medicalbills. It pays 100% of the bills above and beyond what PIP pays.
The fact that your case is closed does not affect whether you can stillpursue medical treatment through PIP or medpay.
