Rachael Gilmer

09/30/2026

What happens if you’re injured in a car accident but don’t have health insurance?
There may still be options for getting medical treatment and managing those bills while your case is pending. Rachael Gilmer explains how PIP benefits, self-pay options, and other payment arrangements may come into play, as well as why it’s important to understand that you may ultimately be responsible for unpaid medical bills.
Every situation is different, and treatment decisions should be based on your individual circumstances.

09/25/2026

Reviews like this mean more than I can say. Thank you for the incredibly kind words and for trusting Johanna and me to help you through such a difficult time.
It was truly a privilege to be there for you, and I’m so grateful you took the time to share your experience.

Here is their full review:
As the result of a vehicle crash, I suffered serious, life-changing injuries. Injuries that will forever change the quality of my life, and very likely, have shaved a few years off the end of it.
I don't know how anyone can navigate the gauntlet involved when dealing with insurance companies and medical providers without the assistance of an attorney. That goes for any injury, not to mention serious injuries or worse. Without hesitation, I chose the law firm of Levin Papantonio.
This choice was a no-brainer. They have the resources and experience you will need. They are local and care about you and our community by constantly giving back and educating us about legal matters and case law. This is important to me.
I would like to give a very special thank you to my attorney, Rachael Gilmer, and her assistant, Johanna Kanen. They are second to none and will forever have my gratitude.
Not only does Ms. Gilmer have intimate knowledge of the current laws/regulations and procedures governing insurance companies and health providers. She is extremely professional. Not an "I know it all" condescending type attitude. But in an extremely knowledgeable, down-to-earth kind of way. She cares about you. You are not "just another client". She has a genuine care and interest in you as a person.
I was in an extreme amount of pain, especially the first 4 months, and to say things weren't going smoothly on my end would be the understatement of the year. Ms. Gilmer and Ms. Kanen helped me with what I was personally going through. You simply don't get that from an attorney whom is only interested in the bottom line.
You don't really think about the substantial mental pressure you experience when you suffer a serious injury until it happens to you. The way you are treated, especially during this period of vulnerability, makes a BIG difference. Even though they most certainly did not have to, Rachel and Johanna were extremely patient and guided me through a very rough time in my life. Of which I am so appreciative.
An attorney/law firm only interested in you as just another cash cow on the assembly line doesn't show the level of care and empathy I received.
I can only generalize all the help I received from Ms. Gilmer and Ms. Kanen without writing a short story! There are no words that adequately describe my appreciation.
Thank you.
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Thank you again for your trust and for taking the time to share such thoughtful words. They truly mean so much to Johanna and me.

09/22/2026

Another great night of People’s Law School! It’s wonderful to see so many people from our community come out, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

Thank you to Lauren Merritt, Amanda Lynch Elliott, and Charlie Penrod for sharing their time and knowledge with everyone.

We have one more night to go! Join us next Monday as we wrap up this year’s People’s Law School with discussions on Name, Image, and Likeness and Social Media Addiction.
My Pink Lawyer- Florida Women's Wills Trusts Estates Lawyer Lauren A Merritt, P.A. University of West Florida

09/17/2026

If I have health insurance, why do I need uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage? Health insurance helps with medical bills. UM coverage can help protect you when the driver who caused the crash has no insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. That can include things health insurance doesn’t cover, like lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the crash. Having health insurance doesn’t necessarily mean you’re fully protected after an accident.

09/15/2026

It was wonderful to be part of People’s Law School last night and share some of what I’ve learned helping people navigate motor vehicle accidents and insurance in Florida.
I’ve seen firsthand, countless times, how important it is to understand your coverage, know how to file a claim, and take the right steps safely and promptly after an accident. I hope everyone left with practical information they can use and feel better prepared if the unexpected happens.
Thank you to everyone who came out, asked questions, and joined the conversation!

09/11/2026

I remember exactly where I was when I got news that the first tower had been struck. I had just started law school. I was in my first class of the day with 100+ other students. By the start of our second class the second tower had been struck. They do not cancel classes in law school. Ever. They cancelled classes that day.

09/10/2026

I’m so honored to receive the FJA Lawyer to Legacy Silver Eagle Award and the Women’s Caucus Leadership Award.

I’m grateful to be part of an organization that has given me so many opportunities to learn, lead, and serve alongside some incredible attorneys. Thank you to the FJA and the Women’s Caucus for these special honors!

09/08/2026

I spoke with Copeland Welch TV at WEAR TV today about a criminal case involving a doctor accused of operating an opioid ring with Pace Pharmacy. More on the story tonight at 6 p.m.

Our firm previously handled a civil case involving prescriptions filled by this pharmacy, which resulted in a confidential settlement.

While criminal and personal injury cases are separate legal matters, there can be important overlap. If an injury or death involves a criminal investigation, you do not necessarily have to wait for the criminal case to be resolved before exploring your civil options.

Criminal cases can take months or even years, while civil claims have their own deadlines. They also have different purposes and standards of proof, so the outcome of one does not necessarily determine the outcome of the other.

I appreciate the opportunity to help explain how these different areas of law can intersect and affect the people involved.

09/03/2026

Can gaps in treatment hurt your case? They can, but life happens.

Ideally, you should attend appointments consistently and follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. If something comes up and you have to miss an appointment, communicate with your doctor and reschedule when you can.

A missed appointment here and there is understandable. However, a pattern of no-shows without explanation can make it harder to show the full extent of your injuries and recovery.

09/01/2026

Have you been following the Lindsay Clancy case? I’m posting predictions, updates, and answering questions on TikTok! Follow along at

213 Followers, 52 Following, 1623 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by Levin Papantonio