Personal Injury Lawyer
When you’re in a car accident, the first thing to do is to get medical assistance for any injuries. With that decision comes the worry about who is going to pay the bills. It’s a complex issue that depends on the laws in your state about fault and the driver who is actually is at fault. Here is a breakdown that can help you understand how your bills may get paid.
Who Is Liable?
The driver who caused the accident is liable for the bills, but it doesn’t always work that way. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may not have any recourse to receive compensation. In a few states, if you are found to be at fault for any percentage of the accident, you can’t collect against the other driver. In most states, if you are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident, your claim will probably be discounted by that amount. Determining fault isn’t always cut and dried. The other driver’s insurance company will probably argue that it shouldn’t pay if the accident was partially your fault. It may take the assistance of a car accident lawyer to prove your case and reach a fair settlement.
Will Your Health Insurance Cover Your Bills?
Medical providers do not use fault to determine who pays the bills. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to make sure your medical bills get paid. You should be able to use your own health insurance to reimburse the providers until you receive a settlement from the insurance company. However, you do need to keep in mind that your health insurance, private or government, may expect reimbursement for their costs after an accident injury that wasn’t your fault. It’s something you should discuss with your attorney.
How Does the Other Driver’s Insurance Pay Your Bills?
Even if the other driver’s insurance company is found to be responsible for your medical bills, don’t expect the insurance company to pay for each doctor’s visit as it occurs. Usually, you have to wait until you are discharged by your doctor for your injuries to reach a settlement agreement with the insurance company. Your doctor’s office usually expects payment as you go. If you don’t have health insurance, this could be complicated. Some offices will defer bills until you reach a settlement. You may have to tap into your auto insurance’s medical payment coverage.
Don’t let a lack of health insurance coverage keep you from receiving treatment after an accident. Discuss your options with a personal injury lawyer to determine the best steps to take.