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How Do I Get Reimbursed for Lost Wages and Medical Expenses After an Auto Accident?

An auto accident can cause you to suffer serious injuries that might require medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and prescription medication. In some cases, the injury could also mean that you must miss work, resulting in lost wages and expensive medical bills. So how do you get reimbursed for accident-related expenses incurred and paid while recovering?

If you have been injured in a Florida car accident, contact The Fran Haasch Law Group. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed.

mature woman with leg brace and crutches after an auto accident

Florida Insurance Requirements

Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. Under this law, motorists are required to maintain a $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on their auto insurance policy, which covers costs for lost wages and medical expenses. Since Florida is a no-fault state, you might be entitled to receive PIP benefits regardless of who caused the collision if you were injured in an accident.

Reimbursement for Lost Wages

If you missed work because of your injuries, the PIP coverage you have on your insurance may reimburse 60% of your lost income up to a specified limit. For example, say you were injured in an accident that caused you to be out of work for a certain amount of time, resulting in an income loss of $3,000. The benefit amount you could receive would be $1,800, which is 60% of $3,000.

To recover lost wages benefits, your employer must complete an earnings verification form that lists your pay rate and the dates you missed work. Your physician must also provide documentation confirming that your injuries kept you from going back to work.

Reimbursement for Medical Expenses

In addition to lost wages, PIP benefits may also cover up to 80% of your accident-related medical expenses up to a specified limit. For example, if the treatment you underwent or medications you paid for totaled $2,000, you may be entitled to receive reimbursement for $1,600. The benefits also cover your travel to doctor’s appointments. It is essential to keep all prescription receipts and mileage tracking forms to ensure you get compensated for costs.

How Are Lost Wages and Medical Expenses Calculated?

The first step in getting reimbursed for your lost wages and medical expenses is to calculate the total amount of your losses. This includes your current losses and any future losses that you may incur.

To calculate your current losses, you will need to add up your medical bills, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses that you have incurred from the accident. To calculate your future losses, you will need to estimate the amount of money you will lose in wages and medical expenses.

Determining Fault

Once you have calculated the total amount of your losses, you must determine who is responsible for paying them. In most cases, when you file a lawsuit, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying your lost wages and medical expenses. However, there are some situations where the at-fault driver may not have insurance or may not have enough insurance to cover your losses.

Personal Injury Claim form with pen and glasses

Other Insurance Coverage Options

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional type of insurance that you can purchase when buying auto insurance. If you have this coverage, it may pay for your lost wages and medical expenses if an uninsured driver hits you. If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover your losses through your uninsured motorist coverage..

Health Insurance

If you do not have PIP coverage or your PIP is not enough to cover your bills, you may still be able to use your health insurance to pay for your medical expenses. However, the health insurance company may want to be reimbursed for benefits paid on your behalf through any settlement you may receive.

Medical Payment Insurance Coverage (Med Pay)

If you have medical payment insurance coverage (Med Pay), it will pay for your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Med Pay is an optional type of insurance that you can purchase when buying auto insurance. If you have this coverage, it will pay for your medical expenses up to the limit of the medpay coverage purchased, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

While your health insurer and med pay coverage won’t cover your lost wages, they can help alleviate some of your additional costs while allowing you not to have to worry about paying medical bills.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Recovering lost wages and medical expenses is a complicated process, and you will need to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent you.

Your lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and file the necessary paperwork with the court. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury and argue for the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

What Should I Do If My Car Insurance Company Doesn’t Pay?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. If you don’t get your lost wages and medical bills paid by your own insurance, contact an experienced car accident attorney. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we can help you get the compensation you deserve and help you get your medical bills paid.

Schedule a Free Evaluation with The Fran Haasch Law Group

Our attorneys are committed to helping victims of car accidents recover the benefits they need for damages resulting from a collision. When you work with us, we will get all the required paperwork and forms sent to your insurance company on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. If you do not have PIP coverage, we will thoroughly review your circumstances to see if other reimbursement options might be available. For the personalized attention you need, call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.

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