Following a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, you would turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) policy to cover your medical bills and lost wages. However, there are situations that could require paying out of pocket for a car accident. For one, your PIP policy may not fully cover your financial obligations. And, if you contributed to the accident in any way, that too could limit access to insurance coverage and make you responsible for covering the difference.
In these instances, legal representation is incredibly helpful. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer could assist in building your claim, dealing with the insurance companies, and helping you secure the compensation you are due.
What Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Cover
As a no-fault state, all Florida drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP). Per Florida Statutes § 627.736, your PIP would provide the following coverage:
- 80% of all reasonable, medically necessary expenses
- 60% of any lost gross income
- $5,000 in death benefits
So not only does the statute not fully cover medical expenses, but it further limits medical care based on what it considers “reasonable” and “necessary.” Your insurance policy may exclude coverage of such items as:
- Medical equipment, such as crutches
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Transportation for doctor’s appointments
- Help around the house
Even if you were approved for a medical procedure, your policy will include a deductible, and you will have to consider the policy limits you purchased. The minimum required coverage in Florida is only $10,000.
The same concerns apply to your disability benefits, as you will only receive 2/3 of your weekly paycheck while recovering.
If your injuries require hospitalization, rehabilitation, or ongoing therapy, your costs may quickly exceed your policy limits. This leaves many injured drivers facing out-of-pocket expenses for care that should have been covered had higher coverage limits or additional policies been in place.
Additionally, PIP does not compensate for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or the loss of enjoyment of life. These losses can be significant in moderate to severe injury cases, particularly when long-term impairments are involved.
How Comparative Negligence Could Affect What You Pay Out of Pocket
Your degree of fault in the accident could also affect how much you are paying for the car accident out of your pocket. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, you could be held responsible for the expenses incurred proportional to your degree of fault. If you are 40% at fault in a $100,000 accident, you would only receive $60,000, leaving you to cover the difference.
Plus, if you are found to be greater than 50% at fault, you will receive nothing.
Insurance companies frequently use this comparative fault rule to minimize their payouts. They may argue that your actions contributed more heavily to the accident than they actually did. Without legal counsel, accident victims may unknowingly accept blame and reduce their own ability to recover full compensation.
In some cases, even being 20% at fault can translate into thousands of dollars in uncovered expenses. These include vehicle repair costs, medical bills beyond PIP coverage, and wage losses. An attorney can counter these attempts and push for an accurate assessment of fault.
Why Consulting With a Lawyer Is So Important
If you have been in a car accident, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can be a great asset in the pursuit of fair compensation. They can explain how to pay out of pocket for car accident expenses and possibly help you avoid some common, costly mistakes:
- They can review your insurance policy coverage and help you file claims under your collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies if you carry them.
- They can investigate your accident, determine who was at fault, assess your damages, and pursue fair compensation from each party if multiple parties were involved.
- They can also accurately determine your degree of fault and protect you from insurers who would try to place greater blame on you to undervalue or deny your claim.
You may have some pay out of pocket expenses following a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, but a lawyer could protect you from spending more than your fair share for an accident you didn’t cause.
Attorneys also help evaluate third-party liability. In some cases, poor road maintenance, defective auto parts, or commercial driver violations may share responsibility for the crash. Identifying these factors can shift the cost burden away from you and expand the compensation pool.
Other Hidden Costs You Might Face After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident
Paying out of pocket goes beyond just your medical and repair bills. Many accident victims face indirect expenses that insurance often does not cover, including:
- Rental car fees while your vehicle is being repaired
- Mileage to and from medical appointments
- Out-of-network care when no specialists are available nearby
- Childcare or home assistance when you cannot perform daily tasks
- Increased premiums due to claims or citations tied to the crash
These hidden costs add up fast and are rarely considered in early settlement offers. A skilled lawyer ensures that every element of your financial loss is documented and presented in your claim.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we understand that even a “minor” car accident can create major financial stress. If you are facing medical debt, vehicle damage, and reduced income, our attorneys will work to minimize your out-of-pocket exposure and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Our team has secured life-changing results for Florida clients, including:
- $3.85 million truck rollover settlement
- $5.25 million for a fatal truck accident case
- $925,000 for a negligent security shooting
If your car was towed, impounded, or released under questionable circumstances, we will investigate whether key evidence was lost or expenses were improperly assigned to you. Our detail-oriented approach helps ensure every cost is reviewed.
We charge no fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Let us guide you through the complex insurance and liability landscape, helping you avoid paying for what others should cover.
Learn More About Your Pay Out of Pocket Car Accident
Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free case consultation. Talk to a member of our staff about your Fort Lauderdale car accident and learn more about your rights, the compensation you could seek, and what you may have to pay out of pocket.
Call (954) 633-8270 today.
