Medical expenses after a car crash can add up quickly and be a financial burden. The financial strain can worsen if you can’t work due to your injuries. One of the biggest concerns for those involved in a crash is who will pay the medical bills.
The answer will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. In Clearwater, your insurance provider may cater to your medical expenses. A car accident lawyer can help you understand all your legal options.
Read on to learn the possible scenarios in which medical bills get paid after an auto accident.
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
Med Pay is an optional type of auto insurance. It pays for medical expenses caused by an auto accident, regardless of fault. The amount of coverage offered by Med Pay policies varies. You, the policyholder, can choose the amount of coverage you want. The premium for the coverage is typically based on the amount of coverage selected.
Med Pay coverage pays for a variety of medical expenses. Examples include ambulance fees, hospital stays, X-rays, and dental work. It is important to note that Med Pay coverage has limits. That means there is a maximum amount that the insurer will pay out for medical expenses. A significant advantage of Med Pay is that you eliminate out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Your Health Insurance Company
One way to pay medical bills after an auto accident is health insurance. It provides coverage for medical expenses, including those incurred due to an accident. The coverage can include costs for hospital stays and doctor visits. It may also include diagnostic tests and other treatments.
You may receive a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurer after an accident. Health insurance policies typically have a subrogation clause. It allows the insurer to recover the amount paid for medical expenses from any settlement you receive. The clause prevents you from receiving a double recovery for the same medical bills.
If You Are in a Fault State
In a fault state, the person responsible for your auto accident pays for damages. That includes lost wages, property loss, pain and suffering, and medical bills. Usually, their automobile insurance company caters to your medical costs by providing compensation.
You must file a claim to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer. After doing so, the insurer will launch an investigation into the accident. Settling your car accident claim may take a long time.
During that time, healthcare providers will still need to get paid. So, you can use other means to pay medical bills while waiting for compensation. For example, you can use your health insurance as discussed above.
If You Are in a No-Fault State
In some states, medical expenses after an auto accident get paid through a no-fault system. In no-fault states, drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. It covers medical expenses for the policyholder regardless of who caused the accident.
Your medical expenses may significantly exceed the no-fault policy limit. Alternatively, you may have sustained catastrophic injuries from the accident. In either case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the liable party for compensation. However, the resolution of the case may take a while. So, you’ll need to find a way to pay the medical costs.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
You may get involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. In such a case, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your medical expenses. It also covers other losses like damage to your car. The coverage can also protect you if you’re in an accident with a hit-and-run driver. UM coverage is mandatory in some states and optional in others.
Other drivers may have inadequate insurance coverage. That’s where underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes in. It covers your medical bills if you are in an accident with an underinsured motorist.
Wrap Up
The answer to who pays medical bills after an auto accident isn’t straightforward. It depends on several factors, such as the laws of the state where the accident occurred.
