Car Accident Update: PIP Exhausted and No Bodily Injury Coverage from At-Fault Party
A few months ago, my dad was involved in a car accident here in Florida. The driver who caused the accident ran a stop sign, leading to a collision that totaled my dad’s car and activated the airbags. He was taken to the ER by ambulance, where he underwent a full evaluation including CT scans. Fortunately, his injuries were minor, with just a sprained thumb, but he is still experiencing ongoing neck and back pain. He has attended physical therapy a few times as well.
Regarding insurance matters, we found out that the at-fault driver’s insurance, State Farm, sent a letter indicating they do not have bodily injury coverage. Meanwhile, my dad’s insurance, All State, notified us that the PIP benefits have been exhausted due to the ER visit. This experience has been overwhelming as it’s our first serious accident, and we were not familiar with the complexities of insurance coverage. Unfortunately, we discovered that we do not have uninsured motorist coverage, as we were unaware of the implications when we opted out of it.
I’ve reached out to All State for a signed rejection letter for the uninsured motorist coverage, but they have been unhelpful and mentioned that such documentation needs to be requested through an attorney, which we don’t yet have.
Currently, we still face bills from the ambulance, CT scans, and physical therapy visits that were not covered by PIP, along with any future treatment costs given my dad’s ongoing pain. He does have health insurance, but I’m unsure of the best next steps. Should I contact his health insurance to see if they can cover the outstanding bills? Is it advisable or worth pursuing a lawyer at this stage? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I’m really sorry to hear about your dad’s accident. Navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance and medical bills. Here are some steps you can take to help resolve the situation:
Contact Health Insurance: Yes, you should definitely get in touch with his health insurance provider. They may cover some of the ambulance and medical bills that were not paid by PIP. They can guide you on what information or documentation they need from you.
Keep Records: Make sure to keep detailed records of all medical visits, bills, and communications with any insurance companies. This includes dates, names of representatives you spoke with, and any letters or emails received.
Consult an Attorney: Since this is your first serious accident and the situation seems complicated (especially with the at-fault party lacking bodily injury coverage), it would be wise to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can provide guidance on whether you have any viable claims, such as against your own insurance for underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) if applicable.
Rejection Letter: Regarding the uninsured motorist rejection letter, you’re correct that your insurance company should provide this. If you decide to consult with an attorney, they can assist in obtaining this documentation more effectively.
Future Medical Care: Since your dad is still experiencing pain and may need ongoing treatment, it’s important to keep records of all future medical appointments and expenses. This information can be critical if you decide to pursue a claim.
Evaluate Financial Compensation: An attorney can help assess potential compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any other related costs resulting from the accident.
Insurance Claims Process: Follow up with All State about the claims process and ensure that you are aware of what exactly is covered and what steps need to be taken next.
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but seeking assistance now can help you navigate this situation more effectively. Take care, and I hope your dad finds relief from his pain soon!