Posted By SalterHealy|
October 28 2025 |Car Accidents
Car accidents can leave you facing not only physical pain but also the financial stress of mounting medical bills. If you were injured in a Florida car accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for paying your medical expenses — especially if another driver caused the crash.
At Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner our St. Petersburg car accident attorneys help injury victims understand their rights and the insurance coverage available under Florida law, including Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Bodily Injury (BI), and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Florida’s No Fault or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after a car accident, you must first turn to your own insurance for medical coverage — regardless of who caused the crash.
80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses, up to $10,000
60% of lost wages
Death benefits up to $5,000
To qualify for PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
Even if another driver caused your accident, your own PIP policy will pay your initial medical bills up to the policy limit. However, serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, often exceed what PIP covers — and that’s where other types of insurance may come into play.
When the Other Driver is At Fault: Bodily Injury (BI) Coverage
If your medical expenses and other losses exceed your PIP coverage, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury (BI) coverage.
Unlike PIP, Bodily Injury coverage is not required under Florida law, though many drivers carry it voluntarily or through their auto lender. If the at-fault driver has BI coverage, your attorney can file a third-party claim to recover your additional losses.
When the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance: Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Unfortunately, many Florida drivers are uninsured or underinsured. If you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance — or none at all — your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can step in to protect you. UM/UIM coverage can help pay for:
Remaining medical expenses after PIP
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
This coverage is optional in Florida, but it can be one of the most valuable forms of protection available. If you carry UM/UIM, your St. Petersburg underinsured/uninsured motorist accident attorney can help you file a claim under your own policy to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Speak With a Florida Car Accident Attorney
Insurance companies often minimize or delay payments after a car accident. A skilled personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg can ensure all available insurance sources are explored — including PIP, BI, and UM/UIM coverage — and help you pursue full and fair compensation.
At Salter Healy, Rivera & Heptner, we handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery. We investigate the accident, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or anywhere in Florida, you don’t have to navigate the insurance process alone.
Let the experienced team at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner help you understand who pays your medical bills after a car accident and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
