Will My Insurance Cover Physical Therapy Expenses After a Florida Car Crash?
February 27, 2023 | Sagi Shaked | Car Accidents
Car crashes can cause any number of serious injuries. From broken bones to concussions and contusions, healing from these accidents can take many months, and the medical bills can quickly stack up.
Medical professionals may recommend physical therapy as the best way to regain mobility and improve certain conditions. However, these treatments come with a hefty price tag.
But who is responsible for paying medical bills after a Miami car crash? If a negligent driver injured you, there might be a few avenues for financial relief under Florida law.
No-Fault Insurance Coverage
All motorists in Florida are required to hold no-fault insurance. Under current Florida statutes, drivers must purchase coverage of at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays out damages after a car crash, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
In most cases, you’ll go through your PIP plan to help cover your medical expenses, including physical therapy. PIP plans in Florida cover up to 80% of medical bills after an accident. However, every plan is unique, and coverage can vary depending on the circumstances.
Failure to drive without valid no-fault insurance can have detrimental effects and leave you struggling to pay expensive hospital bills. If you live in Miami, it’s vital that you purchase an insurance policy and protect yourself against negligent drivers.
Health Insurance
Some drivers may seek to cover the costs of their physical therapy directly through their health insurance policy. However, not all plans will provide the same coverage of benefits after a car accident.
In many cases, health insurance may cover only residual costs from a PIP plan. In other instances, policyholders may only need to pay a deductible to obtain the necessary therapy after their accident.
Insurance coverage varies widely throughout Florida, and in many cases, motorists may have only a basic policy covering emergency treatments. Physical therapy is often an additional service, so you may need to upgrade your plan if you want to be prepared for an untimely accident.
At-Fault Driver Liability
Sometimes, the at-fault driver in a car crash may pay your physical therapy and medical bills.
In these situations, you’ll have to file a claim or a lawsuit against the driver and provide evidence that they’re liable under Florida law.
The process may include the following:
- Proving the accident was caused by the other driver
- Showing evidence that determines you were injured as a direct result of the crash
- Providing physical evidence and witness testimony to support your claim
When you can prove the required elements for liability, you can recover hospital bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and even damages for pain and suffering.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Uninsured motorist insurance (UIM) compensates victims of car crashes caused by uninsured drivers. In some situations, a UIM policy may cover your physical therapy bills.
Many Florida motorists purchase UIM insurance as extra protection; however, filing a claim to recover damages can be challenging. In many situations, you’ll need to provide strong evidence in your favor, including proof that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
Physical Therapy Coverage in Miami
It’s no secret that physical therapy can be one of the most expensive treatments after a car crash. Depending on the severity of the injuries, physical therapy treatments can last for many months and even years.
Fortunately, Miami drivers have many options to protect themselves against negligent motorists.
Whether you purchase PIP insurance or opt for a well-covered health plan, you can take the necessary precautions to pay your medical bills in case of a severe crash or collision.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.