Who Pays Medical Bills in a Car Accident? Fort Myers Guide [2026]

What You Need to Know Right Now

Being hit by another driver shouldn't mean getting hit twice—once by the accident, then by overwhelming medical debt. Here's what every Fort Myers driver needs to understand about who actually pays your medical bills after a crash.

• Florida's $10,000 PIP coverage pays only 80% of medical bills and disappears fast—average hospital stays cost $60,000 • Nearly 1 in 4 Florida drivers have no insurance, making UM/UIM coverage your lifeline when you need it most • Your health insurance steps in after PIP runs out, and medical liens can often be negotiated down significantly • Getting legal help typically results in settlements 3-3.5 times higher than trying to handle everything yourself • You have just 14 days to seek medical care to preserve PIP benefits and 2 years to file a lawsuit

The gap between Florida's minimum insurance requirements and real medical costs leaves drivers dangerously exposed. With Lee County seeing 40 accidents every single day, understanding your payment options becomes the difference between financial recovery and devastating debt.

Don't become another statistic. When 41% of Florida traffic collisions result in injuries to drivers and passengers, knowing who pays medical bills in a car accident becomes critical for thousands of Fort Myers families each year. The harsh reality is that Lee County alone sees 14,744 crashes annually—that's 40 accidents every single day.

The math simply doesn't work in your favor. The average hospitalization for car accident injuries costs approximately $57,000, while Florida only requires drivers to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability. Your PIP coverage pays just 80% of medical expenses, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. The situation gets worse when you consider that as many as 1 in 5 Florida drivers operate vehicles illegally without any insurance.

We understand that facing surgeries costing tens of thousands of dollars and hospital stays exceeding $2,000 per day can feel overwhelming. That's why we've created this guide to show you exactly who pays for medical bills in a car accident in Florida, what happens when costs exceed your coverage, and how the right legal help prevents you from getting hit twice—first by the accident, then by crushing medical debt.

Florida's Car Insurance Rules You Need to Know

Florida's car insurance laws create a confusing maze that often leaves accident victims wondering who will actually pay their medical bills. We understand how overwhelming these rules can seem when you're already dealing with injuries and recovery.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Your First Line of Coverage

Every Florida driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance - it's the law. Your PIP coverage provides $10,000 minimum protection that kicks in immediately after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash.

Here's what your PIP covers:

80% of necessary medical expenses
60% of lost wages from your injuries
$5,000 in death benefits

The most important thing to remember? You have just 14 days to seek medical care after your accident. Miss this deadline, and you lose your PIP benefits entirely. Even with treatment, that $10,000 disappears fast when you're facing serious injuries.

The Bodily Injury Coverage Gap

Here's where Florida's system fails accident victims. Unlike most states, Florida doesn't require drivers to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance. This means the driver who hit you might have zero coverage to pay for your injuries.

Think about it - they're legally allowed to drive with insurance that won't pay a penny toward your medical bills beyond their own PIP coverage. Many Florida drivers simply check the box to reject BIL coverage, leaving you without recourse when your PIP runs out.

How No-Fault Laws Work Against You

Florida operates under a "no-fault" system, which sounds fair until you need serious medical care. Your own insurance pays first, whether the accident was your fault or not. This system was designed to speed up minor injury claims and reduce lawsuits.

But here's what happens with serious injuries: once your medical bills exceed your PIP limits or your injuries qualify as "serious," you can step outside the no-fault system. At that point, who pays depends on factors most accident victims never considered - like whether the other driver actually has adequate coverage and what other insurance policies might apply to your case.

When Your Medical Bills Exceed Insurance Coverage

Medical costs pile up fast after an accident, often leaving you facing bills that dwarf your insurance coverage. Don't let financial disaster compound your physical injuries.

How Quickly Your PIP Benefits Disappear

Your PIP benefits vanish faster than most people realize. You're immediately on the hook for 20% of all medical expensessince PIP only covers 80% of your costs. What really determines your access to that $10,000 limit comes down to your diagnosis:

Full $10,000 available with an emergency medical condition diagnosed by a qualified provider
Limited to just $2,500 without such a diagnosis

Here's the harsh reality: average hospital stays cost approximately $60,000. Your entire PIP coverage could be gone after a single day of treatment.

What Happens When the Other Driver Has No Insurance

Florida ranks among the worst states for uninsured drivers—nearly 1 in 4 Florida drivers operates without insurance. When the at-fault driver can't pay, you have options, but you need to act quickly.

Your first line of defense is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy. This optional coverage steps in when the other driver's insurance falls short.

Your health insurance becomes your backup after PIP exhaustion. Medical providers will ask for this information, so have your insurance cards ready.

We understand that dealing with uninsured drivers adds another layer of stress to an already difficult situation. If you have been injured in an accident and need a lawyer, call Pittman Law Firm, P.L. today for a free consultation.

Can You Sue for the Remaining Medical Costs?

Yes, but Florida law sets strict requirements. You must meet Florida's "serious injury threshold" to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver:

Permanent loss of an important bodily function
Permanent injury
Significant scarring or disfigurement
Death

You have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Florida Statutes § 95.11. Even winning your case doesn't guarantee payment—collecting from individuals with limited assets remains challenging.

The legal system can work for you, but timing and strategy matter. Don't wait until it's too late to explore your options.

What Happens When Your Insurance Falls Short

Medical bills don't stop piling up just because your insurance ran out. Nearly 26% of Florida drivers operate vehicles without insurance, making it critical to understand all your payment options when facing mounting medical debt.

Your Health Insurance Steps Up

After your PIP benefits disappear, your health insurance typically becomes your next lifeline for medical expenses. Many people think the at-fault driver's insurance should pay immediately—but that compensation usually comes only after a settlement, which could take months or even years.

Here's what you need to do with your health insurance:

Use in-network providers whenever possible to keep your costs down
Make sure all your healthcare providers have your current insurance information
Be ready to cover your copays and coinsurance amounts

Your health insurer may ask about other potential compensation sources before they'll cover your injuries. Don't let this worry you—using your health insurance prevents crushing medical debt while you fight for the settlement you deserve.

UM/UIM Coverage: Your Secret Weapon

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. This coverage kicks in after your PIP benefits and the at-fault driver's insurance are exhausted.

UM/UIM coverage beats health insurance because it:

Generally has no deductible
May cover your lost wages
Protects passengers in your vehicle who might not have health insurance
Provides protection against hit-and-run drivers

Under Florida law, insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage equal to your bodily injury limits unless you specifically reject it in writing. Don't get hit twice by skipping this crucial protection.

Looking Beyond the Other Driver

Sometimes other parties share responsibility for your accident. Smart attorneys look for these additional sources of compensation:

Employer liability – When the at-fault driver was working during the accident
Product liability – Against vehicle manufacturers for dangerous defects
Dram shop claims – Against bars or restaurants that served alcohol to underage or intoxicated individuals
Government agencies – For dangerous road conditions or poor maintenance
Repair shops – For negligent work that contributed to the accident

These claims often access much larger insurance policies with higher coverage limits than individual driver policies.

Fighting Medical Liens and Excessive Bills

Medical liens—legal claims by healthcare providers on your settlement—can eat up your compensation. The good news? These liens are often negotiable.

Here's how we fight back against excessive medical bills:

Verify the lien's validity by confirming proper notice and checking for errors
Request reductions based on financial hardship
Offer immediate lump-sum payments at reduced amounts
Challenge excessive charges by comparing to typical insurance rates

An attorney experienced in medical lien negotiation can often secure substantial reductions, preserving more of your settlement for you and your family. We treat every case like we were handling it for a family member.

Why You Need an Attorney Fighting for You

The maze of medical bills, insurance claims, and legal deadlines after a car accident can overwhelm anyone. At Pittman Law Firm, P.L., we understand that being injured in an accident can have a major impact on your life, and our team is ready to fight for you!

How We Uncover Every Dollar You Deserve

We know where to look for compensation that others miss. While you're focused on recovery, we investigate third-party liability, examine insurance policy language for hidden benefits, and identify multiple compensation sources that most accident victims overlook. More importantly, we calculate the full scope of your damages, including future medical costs—something insurance companies rarely volunteer to cover.

We treat every case like we were handling it for a family member. Unlike large firms that might overlook important details, we take the time to thoroughly investigate your case and ensure no potential source of compensation goes unexplored.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters Who Don't Work for You

Insurance adjusters work for their company, not for you. Their primary goal is minimizing payouts. They often:

Try getting you to admit fault
Use your words against you to downplay injuries
Pressure you into recorded statements

Don't get lost in all the phone calls and paperwork. We know these tactics inside and out and negotiate assertively on your behalf. Studies show that accident victims with attorneys typically receive settlements 3 to 3.5 times higher than those without legal representation.

When Fighting Back Becomes Necessary

Sometimes insurance companies deny your claim or offer inadequate compensation. When this happens, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. This step often motivates insurers to negotiate more seriously.

If you have been injured in an accident and need a lawyer, call Pittman Law Firm, P.L. today for a free consultation.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless we win your case. This arrangement provides access to expert legal help without upfront costs during your recovery. You get the skill and proven track record of a very successful personal injury law firm, plus the personalized service, attention, care, and true concern you deserve.

Conclusion

Car accidents create financial burdens that extend far beyond vehicle damage. PIP coverage simply falls short when serious injuries occur, leaving you vulnerable to significant medical debt. Furthermore, Florida's high rate of uninsured drivers compounds this problem, potentially leaving you without recourse after exhausting your limited PIP benefits.

Consequently, understanding all available payment options becomes essential after an accident. Your health insurance, UM/UIM coverage, and potential third-party claims serve as critical financial lifelines when medical bills continue to mount. Additionally, working with medical providers to negotiate liens can substantially reduce your financial obligations.

Legal representation stands out as perhaps the most valuable resource during this challenging time. Attorneys identify hidden compensation sources, counter lowball insurance offers, and ensure you receive fair treatment throughout the claims process. Studies clearly demonstrate that accident victims with legal representation typically receive settlements three times higher than those navigating the system alone.

Remember that time constraints apply to every aspect of post-accident care. Therefore, acting quickly protects both your health and your financial interests. Seeking immediate medical attention preserves your PIP benefits, while consulting with an attorney early prevents costly mistakes during insurance negotiations.

The road to recovery after a Fort Myers car accident undoubtedly presents challenges. However, armed with knowledge about your rights and payment options, you can focus on healing without the constant worry of mounting medical debt. Take control of your situation today and avoid getting hit twice – first by the accident, then by overwhelming financial consequences.

FAQs

Q1. How does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) work in Florida? PIP covers 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to your policy limit, typically $10,000. It pays regardless of who caused the accident, but you must seek medical care within 14 days to maintain eligibility.

Q2. What happens if my medical bills exceed my PIP coverage? Once PIP is exhausted, you may need to use your health insurance, file a claim under UM/UIM coverage if available, or pursue legal action against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet Florida's "serious injury threshold."

Q3. Can I sue the at-fault driver for medical costs in Florida? Yes, but only if your injuries meet Florida's "serious injury threshold," which includes permanent loss of bodily function, permanent injury, significant scarring, or death. You typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Q4. What options do I have if the at-fault driver is uninsured? If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can file a claim under this policy. Your health insurance may also cover additional costs. In some cases, exploring third-party liability or negotiating medical liens may be necessary.

Q5. How can a lawyer help with medical bills after a car accident? An experienced attorney can uncover hidden compensation sources, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and potentially secure a higher settlement. They can also help navigate complex legal processes, negotiate medical liens, and determine when filing a lawsuit is necessary.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.