Medical Bills After A Fender-Bender And The No-Fault System

Even a so-called fender-bender (meaning a low-speed collision) can lead to unexpected medical bills. From whiplash and muscle strains to headaches and lingering back pain, minor collisions can result in injuries that require real medical attention.

In Florida, determining who’s responsible for paying the costs incurred in a fender-bender accident is not always straightforward. Understanding how Personal Injury Protection (PIP) works and what happens when your bills exceed coverage limits is key to protecting your financial and physical well-being. It’s a lot of information to try and process quickly. Lean on the experience of a Miami personal injury lawyer in order to make informed choices.

What Is Florida’s No-Fault System?

Florida is one of a handful of states that uses a no-fault insurance model. This means that after most car accidents, your own insurance pays for a portion of your medical expenses under your PIP policy, up to the policy limit. This is the case regardless of who was at fault.

Under Florida law, all drivers are required to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage. This coverage pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. The catch is that $10,000 doesn’t go far if you need diagnostics, physical therapy, or specialist care after the accident.

Medical treatment can quickly surpass the $10,000 PIP cap, especially if an emergency room visit, imaging scans, or follow-up care is needed. For example:

• A trip to the ER with imaging and initial treatment can easily run $5,000 or more.
• Ongoing physical therapy can cost hundreds per session.
• Specialist consultations and prescriptions further increase the total.

When your expenses go beyond your PIP limits, there are a range of ways to get your expenses paid. You may be able to use private health insurance, for instance. Or in other situations injured parties file a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation (assuming the injuries meet the legal threshold).

How Do You Know If You Qualify for the Threshold Exception?

State law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and file a liability claim against the other driver if your injuries are considered serious. Qualifying injuries include significant loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, permanent scarring, disfigurement, or loss of life.

For example, if a rear-end collision results in a herniated disc that requires surgery, that injury would likely meet the serious injury threshold. Then, the door to a personal injury claim beyond your PIP benefits would be opened.

A Miami personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, help you understand your coverage options, and take the legal steps needed to secure the compensation you deserve. Medical bills from a fender-bender shouldn’t derail your finances, especially when the law provides pathways to recovery. Don’t let small accidents lead to big problems.

How are you coping following a low-speed traffic incident? Share your financial concerns and health care expenses with the lawyers at Spencer Morgan Law so monetary relief can be accessed. Call 305-423-3800 to book a confidential consultation.