If you’ve been hurt in Florida because someone else was careless, you might be wondering what comes next. Most people don’t expect to deal with doctor visits, bills they didn’t plan for, or the stress that comes after an accident. But this happens more often than it should, and it can flip your life upside down. When it does, it’s important to know how medical care and costs work in Florida personal injury claims. That way, you can take the right steps and protect yourself from more trouble.
Attorney - Partner Attorney - Of Counsel
Franklin Domenech, Esq.
William Alexander Corzo, Esq.
Why Medical Treatment Is So Important After an Injury
After any accident, getting the right care quickly helps you feel better and shows that you took your injuries seriously. In Florida, the kind of care you get—and how fast you get it—can also play a big role in how your claim turns out. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may say your injury wasn’t that bad. They might even try to say it didn’t come from the accident. That’s why it’s smart to go to the hospital or your doctor right away, even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and catching them early can make all the difference.
Understanding Who Pays for Your Medical Bills
Florida follows a no-fault rule for car accidents, which means your own car insurance covers your medical costs first. This is called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP. It helps pay for your care no matter who caused the crash. But PIP only covers up to $10,000, and it usually pays just 80% of your medical bills. That means if your hospital bill is $5,000, PIP may only pay $4,000. The rest is on you—unless you file a claim against the person who hurt you.
That’s where personal injury claims come in. If your injuries are serious, you may be able to go after the other person’s insurance to cover more of your costs. This can include things like doctor visits, surgery, rehab, therapy, medicine, and even future care if you’re not going to heal fully.
Highly recommend victory law firm they've been nothing but great and and very presentable if you want to win a case I definitely I give it 5 stars” - Yari Yes Mr. Domenech, Mr. Leon, Miss. Katerina helped me and my family tremendously. They are knowledgeable, professional, laways available and most importantly care about their clients, I would recommend them 100% and more. Endlessly grateful." - Llubikza Kairuz Attorney William Corzo did an excellent job in assisting me with my car accident case. He was thorough and professional and the outcome was great- would definitely recommend him." - Patrick Dollar
Keeping Track of Your Medical Records and Expenses
When you file a personal injury claim in Florida, every bill matters. From ambulance rides to physical therapy, you’ll need to show what you went through and what it cost. Save everything—receipts, treatment notes, test results, and letters from your doctors. This paper trail proves your injuries and backs up your claim. The more complete your records are, the harder it is for the insurance company to question what happened.
If you miss a doctor visit or don’t follow treatment, that can hurt your case. The other side might say you weren’t really injured or that you made things worse by not taking care of yourself. But when you follow your doctor’s plan and go to every appointment, you’re showing that you’re doing your part to get better—and that you’re not faking anything.
Who Can Help Cover Your Costs
Medical care isn’t cheap, and most people don’t have the money saved up to cover all of it. Aside from your own PIP insurance, there may be other ways to get help. If you have health insurance, it may kick in once your PIP runs out. Some doctors may even agree to treat you with a “letter of protection.” That means they’ll wait to get paid until your case is settled. This can give you time to heal without worrying about every bill right away.
If you end up winning money from your case, you may have to pay some of it back to your health insurance or the doctor who treated you under a letter of protection. This is called a lien, and it’s something your lawyer can help manage so that you keep as much of your settlement as possible.
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What Happens If Your Injuries Are Long-Term
Some injuries don’t go away quickly. If you’ve got pain that’s not improving or if your doctor says you may need more treatment down the road, that needs to be part of your claim too. You should never settle your case until you know how your injury will affect you in the future. Settling too early can mean you’re stuck with costs later that no one else will help with.
In Florida, you can include future medical costs in your claim. That means if your doctor says you’ll need surgery next year or therapy for several more months, that can be added to your case. But you’ll need a clear medical opinion and proof of what that care will likely cost. This is where having the right legal help can make a big difference.
Time Limits You Need to Know About
Florida gives you two years to file most personal injury claims. That sounds like a long time, but it goes by fast when you’re dealing with injuries, bills, and paperwork. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to get any help at all. And the longer you wait to get treatment, the harder it is to show that your injury came from the accident. Acting early gives you a better chance to get the care and support you need.
Serious Results
How Insurance Companies Try to Pay Less
Insurance companies are in the business of saving money. They look for ways to say your injuries aren’t serious or that you don’t need as much treatment as your doctor says. They might offer you money quickly, hoping you’ll take it before you know the full cost of your injuries. Don’t be fooled. Once you take their offer and sign a release, you usually can’t ask for more later—even if your condition gets worse.
That’s why it’s smart to talk to someone who knows the law before agreeing to anything. You don’t want to be left paying for injuries that weren’t your fault.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Going through a personal injury case can feel overwhelming. You’re hurt, maybe missing work, and the bills keep coming. But you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. The right help can take that weight off your shoulders. If you’re not sure what steps to take or how much your case is really worth, we’re here to listen and guide you through it.
At Victory Law Firm P.A., we’ve helped people across Florida who found themselves hurt, confused, and stuck with bills they didn’t expect. We know what needs to happen to get your medical treatment covered and make sure your future care is included too. You’ve already been through enough. Let us help you stand up for what’s fair. Reach out today for a free case review and let’s talk about what’s next for you.