Car Accident Update: Facing Challenges with Insurance and Coverage Issues
A few months ago, my dad was involved in a car accident here in Florida. The other driver ran a stop sign, resulting in a collision that totaled my dad’s car and deployed the airbags. He was taken to the ER by ambulance where he underwent a thorough evaluation, including CT scans. Thankfully, he is recovering, but he did sustain minor injuries, including a sprained thumb, along with ongoing neck and back pain. He has attended physical therapy a few times as well.
Regarding insurance, the at-fault driver is insured through State Farm and has informed us that they do not have bodily injury coverage. My dad’s own insurance, All State, recently notified us that the PIP coverage has been exhausted following his ER visit. This is our first serious accident, and we’re navigating a lot of new information. Unfortunately, we also don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, as we were unaware of its importance and had opted out without realizing it.
I requested a signed uninsured motorist rejection letter from All State, but they keep redirecting me and mentioned that I need to ask my attorney to request the policy forms from the claims department. The issue is, we don’t currently have an attorney.
There are still outstanding bills for the ambulance service, CT scan, and physical therapy visits that PIP has not covered, in addition to future appointments since my dad is still experiencing pain. He has health insurance, but I’m unsure if I should reach out to them to help cover these expenses. Would it be advisable to hire a lawyer in this situation? What steps should I take next?
I’m sorry to hear about your dad’s accident and the challenges you’re facing regarding insurance and medical bills. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Contact Health Insurance: Yes, it’s a good idea to contact your dad’s health insurance provider. They may be able to cover some of the ongoing medical expenses, such as physical therapy and any future treatment he may need. Make sure to keep all records and bills organized, as you will likely need to provide documentation to your health insurer.
Review Insurance Policy: It’s crucial to review your dad’s auto insurance policy, particularly concerning uninsured motorist coverage. If the rejection letter is required, obtaining it might be essential if you decide to pursue any further claims related to the accident. Clarify with Allstate if they have a formal process for getting that information to you.
Consider Legal Advice: Given that you’re dealing with complexities regarding unpaid medical bills, lack of coverage from the at-fault driver, and the exhaustion of PIP benefits, consulting with a personal injury attorney could be beneficial. They can help you understand your options, including whether it’s possible to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver or how to navigate the health insurance claims process.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all medical expenses, bills, and any communications with insurance companies. This will be helpful for any potential legal action or claims with insurance.
Explore Other Coverages: Depending on your dad’s situation, there might be other coverages or resources to explore, such as health insurance subrogation cases, where the health insurance company might pursue the at-fault driver for reimbursement.
The situation can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help you and your dad navigate the aftermath of the accident more effectively. Good luck, and I hope your dad experiences a speedy recovery!