Suffering debilitating injuries and excruciating pain after a car accident can be devastating. However, once the extensive medical bills start piling up, the situation can become unbearable. Although many victims often assume that the wrongful party will automatically be held responsible for paying their car accident medical bills and other losses they incurred, this is not always how this works.
In fact, there are often numerous factors and laws that play a role in determining who will pay medical bills after an accident, and in this blog, we will explore some of them — such as pursuing a car accident injury claim.
Paying For Car Accident Medical Bills — The General Rule
Typically, if you are involved in a motor vehicle crash, you will be responsible for paying for your own medical bills as you incur them. This means that even if another person was at fault for your injuries, the law will not require them to pay for these ongoing medical expenses. The only thing that the law requires is that if the other individual is found liable for your injuries through a car accident injury claim, they may be on the hook for paying for your damages, which medical treatment is a big part of. Yet, there are exceptions to this rule, primarily if the victim resides in a “no-fault state.”
“No-Fault” Insurance and Motor Vehicle Accidents
If you have been harmed in a car accident, your ability to get swift payment for your medical bills often depends on whether you reside in a no-fault state. No-fault vehicle insurance means that your own insurance company will pay for all or some of your medical bills if you are involved in a vehicle accident, regardless of who was at fault for the crash, up to the limits of your coverage.
Once these bills exceed your coverage, you will be responsible for paying these bills on your own. However, if you have health insurance, your insurer can also assist you with these medical bills. Otherwise, you will be held personally accountable for arranging payment with these health care providers.
Another important thing to note is that if your medical bills exceed a specific amount or your injury is severe, you may also step outside the state’s no-fault system and file a claim against the responsible motorist. Yet, pursuing a legal claim is not a quick process, and in the meantime, you will still need to find other ways to pay these bills.
Med Pay Coverage
If you are involved in a vehicle accident in a state that does not have no-fault insurance, you will have to pay your own medical bills. However, some motorists in these states may have medical payment insurance, also referred to as med pay coverage. This medical payment insurance will often pay for the medical bills of the passengers and the motorist that was involved in a vehicle accident with the insured. However, this insurance is only up to the insured’s med pay policy limits. Once the bills exceed these limits, the victim will be responsible for paying their own medical bills.
The Insurance Company is Allowed to Get Reimbursement
If an insurance company or a state agency such as those administering Medicaid benefits pays your medical bills related to your car accident, they are entitled to get reimbursed for what they paid your health care providers if you ever receive a personal injury verdict or settlement against the wrongful party.
Seeking Compensation for the Damages and Injuries You Incurred
If you have been a victim of a motor vehicle accident caused by another person’s reckless, negligent, or intentional conduct, you may find it unfair to face the slew of astronomical medical bills that keep mounting after your injuries. Fortunately, you do not have to handle this challenging ordeal on your own. When you work with an experienced car accident lawyer, these attorneys can help you go after the compensation you deserve.
Once retained, these lawyers can:
- Go over your case in detail, determine whether you have a viable legal claim, and figure out which legal options you can pursue.
- Answer all of your questions and concerns and provide you the legal support you need during this challenging time.
- Investigate your car accident and secure the evidence needed to prove fault and damages.
- Handle all the negotiations with the insurance company and fight for the fair compensation you need.
- Hire experts such as accident re-constructionists and doctors to substantiate your claim.
- Take your case to trial, if needed, and fight for a successful resolution to your lawsuit.
Do not wait any longer if a car accident injury disrupted your life. Instead, reach out to a skilled car accident attorney today and let them show you how they can fight for the compensation you need.