If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay your medical bills. Unfortunately, these bills can add up quickly, from emergency room visits to surgeries, therapy, and medication. Figuring out who is responsible for paying can be confusing, especially with all the insurance options involved.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
In California, we use a “fault” system for car accidents. This means the person responsible for the accident will eventually be held liable for damages, including medical bills. However, the process of determining fault takes time. So, while fault is being worked out, your medical bills still need to be paid.
Using Health Insurance to Pay Medical Bills
Your health insurance company can be used to cover your immediate medical costs after a car accident. Health insurance can help cover:
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor appointments
- Ambulance Services
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
However, health insurance usually requires:
- Co-pays
- Deductibles
- Out-of-pocket maximums
Your health insurance provider may also try to get reimbursed from any settlement you receive through a process called subrogation. This means they’ll want to be paid back if you receive compensation for your medical bills from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
How Auto Insurance Can Cover Medical Bills
You may have coverage through your own car insurance coverage policy that can help with medical bills, regardless of who was at fault. Here are some common options:
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): MedPay is optional coverage that helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers after a car accident. It applies no matter who caused the accident and helps with costs like doctor visits, hospital stays, and even funeral expenses. There are no deductibles or co-pays.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to an accident. Although not required in California, some drivers have PIP coverage. It pays out regardless of fault and helps cover immediate expenses while you recover.
- The At-Fault Party’s Insurance: Once it’s determined that the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim against their insurance for your medical expenses. Getting payment from the at-fault driver’s insurance may take time, and they may dispute your claim. An attorney can help you handle these negotiations.
Other Ways to Pay Medical Bills After an Accident
If health and car insurance aren’t enough to cover all your medical expenses, there are a few other ways to manage these costs:
- Out-of-Pocket Payment: You may have to pay some medical bills yourself before getting reimbursed later from a settlement or court judgment. Make sure to keep all receipts and medical records to make sure you can claim every expense.
- Medical Liens: Some doctors and hospitals will agree to treat you on a lien basis, meaning they will wait to get paid from your settlement. The lien will be paid directly out of your settlement before you receive any money, so it’s important to negotiate the amount. A lawyer can help with this process.
- Workers’ Compensation: If you were driving for work when the accident happened, workers’ compensation might help cover your medical bills. You would need to file a workers’ comp claim through your employer.
Why You Should Consider Filing an Injury Claim After An Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you might wonder if you should file an injury claim. The answer is usually yes. Filing a personal injury claim can help you recover the money you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. Here are a few reasons why filing a claim is often a smart choice:
1. Medical Bills Add Up Fast
Even a minor accident can result in expensive medical bills. If you don’t file a claim, you may end up paying for these costs out of pocket. Filing a claim allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, covering your expenses.
2. Recover Lost Wages
If your injury keeps you from working, filing a claim can help recover your lost income. For example, if you miss several weeks of work due to surgery or physical therapy, you shouldn’t have to struggle financially because of someone else’s mistake.
3. Compensation for Non-economic Damages
Beyond medical bills and lost wages, an injury claim can also compensate you for non-economic damages, like pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life. For instance, if you experience long-term pain or cannot enjoy activities you once loved, you deserve compensation for that loss.
4. Protect Your Rights
Insurance companies are businesses—they aim to pay out as little as possible. If you don’t file a claim, you may not receive the full amount you’re entitled to. By filing a claim, you protect your rights and ensure that the insurance company takes your injuries seriously.
5. Statute of Limitations
In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your chance to recover any compensation. Filing a claim early ensures that you meet this deadline and have time to gather evidence and build a strong case.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Pay Your Medical Bills
Navigating insurance companies, medical bills, and legal claims can be complicated. An accident attorney can make this process easier by helping you:
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: A lawyer will deal with both your health insurance and the at-fault driver’s insurance, making sure your medical costs are covered.
- Handle Medical Liens: Attorneys can negotiate with medical providers to reduce liens, which means more of your settlement stays in your pocket.
- Maximize Your Compensation: A lawyer will work to get you the full amount you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side of things.
We Can Guide You Through Your Best Options For Covering Your Medical Expenses
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence and are struggling to pay your medical bills, we can help. Contact the attorneys at El Dabe Ritter for a free consultation to discuss your case. We’ll review your options and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Fill out our form today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards justice.