Car Accident Update: PIP Exhausted, No Bodily Injury Coverage from At-Fault Party
A few months ago, my dad was involved in a car accident in Florida. The other driver ran a stop sign, resulting in a collision that deployed the airbags and totaled his vehicle. Fortunately, my dad is okay—though he sustained minor injuries, including a sprained thumb, and is still dealing with neck and back pain. He has attended physical therapy a few times to help with his recovery.
On the insurance front, the at-fault party has State Farm, but we received a letter stating they do not carry bodily injury coverage. My dad’s insurance, Allstate, recently informed us that his PIP benefits have been exhausted following his ER visit. This is our first serious accident, and we’re navigating this situation without much experience. Unfortunately, we also don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, as we were unaware that our policy had opted out of this option.
I’ve been trying to obtain a signed uninsured motorist rejection letter from Allstate, but they keep giving me the run-around. They’ve mentioned that I need to request policy forms through an attorney, which we haven’t retained yet.
Additionally, there are outstanding bills from the ambulance, CT scans, and physical therapy visits that PIP didn’t cover, along with potential future treatments since my dad is still experiencing pain. Although he has health insurance, I’m uncertain about the best course of action. Should I reach out to his health insurance to cover the remaining expenses? Also, would it be wise to consult a lawyer at this point? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I’m really sorry to hear about your dad’s accident and the complications that have arisen from it. Navigating insurance claims can be quite complicated, especially after a serious accident. Here are some steps you can consider taking:
Contact Health Insurance: Yes, you should contact your dad’s health insurance provider. They might cover some of the medical expenses related to the accident, especially since PIP has been exhausted. It’s important to inform them that the injuries were sustained in a car accident; they may have specific protocols for these types of cases.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, bills, and any correspondence with the insurance companies. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to pursue a claim or legal action.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Since the at-fault party doesn’t have bodily injury coverage, it’s essential to understand your options. If your dad had opted out of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it might limit recovery options. However, it’s worth checking if he has any additional coverage that could assist.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Given the circumstances, consulting with a personal injury lawyer may help clarify your options and guide you through the process. Many attorneys offer free consultations, and they can provide advice on whether it would be beneficial to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver or if there are other avenues to explore.
PIP Benefits: If PIP coverage has been exhausted, check if your policy can be reevaluated for additional benefits, or if there’s any other coverage available. Sometimes, policies can include extended PIP coverage, but this varies by provider.
Claiming for Future Medical Bills: Be sure to discuss future medical treatment needs with your healthcare provider and legal advisor. They might suggest how to handle these medical costs moving forward.
Follow Up with Allstate: Continue following up with Allstate about the UM rejection letter. If you’re facing difficulties, an attorney can also assist in obtaining necessary documents.
Navigating this situation can be overwhelming, but you’re doing the right thing by seeking information and considering your options. Best of luck to you and your dad in resolving these issues!