Have you ever wondered how medical bills are sorted out in cases of car accidents? Of course, no one ever plans to be in an accident, but knowing these things helps you make the right decision if you ever find yourself in one. Do you have to take responsibility for your medical bills? What about the other driver, who pays for their medical bills? What does your health insurance cover in such an unfortunate turn of events?
There are many unknown variables, which is why it is often more complex than you imagined. However, someone has to pay for the treatment of the injuries incurred in the accident, and knowing who should be responsible for these bills can save you some unnecessary costs. According to the NHTSA, some factors determine who gets to pay the medical bills in an accident. Luckily, these factors will be highlighted in this article.
Are You In A Fault Or No-fault State?
The first factor that comes to play when deciding who pays for medical bills in a car accident is the location of the supposed accident. Ideally, you will expect your insurance company to step in and help sort the medical bills, as indicated in your insurance policy. But the level of responsibility your insurance company will take depends on whether you are in a fault or no-fault state.
If you are in a no-fault state, your insurance company only covers your medical bills, per the fault laws. But on the other hand, your injury protection (PIP) insurance will have to extend to the other driver if you are at fault in a fault state. That means you and your insurance company will be responsible for the other driver’s medical bills.
What If The Other Driver Is Uninsured?
If you get in an accident in a fault state, you are generally expected to foot their medical bills if you are at fault. However, such a driver may only be entitled to receive payment from you if they are actively insured. Hence, you would only have to pay for their medical bills if they have insurance. But what if the uninsured driver is at fault for your car accident?
In such cases, you can file a claim with your insurance company to take care of your bills. Your insurance company can step in and help you out if your insurance policy includes this clause. But if it doesn’t, you may have to sue the other driver since they are at fault. It is bad enough that they are driving without insurance, so the case will most likely be in your favor. If found guilty, they will have to pay for the damages and medical bills incurred in the accident.
Can A Health Insurance Policy Cover Auto Accident Injuries?
The simple and short answer is yes, your health insurance policy can cover medical bills for car accident injuries. However, there can be a catch, depending on the nature and policies of your health insurance. Firstly, your health insurance may not be the first option to pay for medical bills if you have other primary insurance. For example, your car insurance or the other driver may be the first option to cover such bills. However, your health insurance will still have to be activated if the other insurance cannot pay the bills.
Secondly, your health insurance might not cover some kinds of treatments received in connection to your car accident. This is especially true in cases where you opt for an alternative type of treatment. But that notwithstanding, you are generally correct to allow your health insurance to pay for medical bills incurred due to a car accident.
How Are Medical Bills Paid In A No-fault State?
As earlier stated, the at-fault driver only has to pay for the other driver’s medical bills in a fault state. If you are involved in an accident in a no-fault state, you will likely be responsible for only your bills, regardless of whether you are at fault. In such cases, you are also not liable to receive any payment from the other driver.
Can My Insurance Company Take A Share Of A Personal Injury Verdict?
What happens when you receive compensation from the other driver after your health insurance has already covered your medical bills? Sometimes, your health insurance company may be willing to foot your bills, pending when the trial is complete. However, you may have to refund your insurance company if the verdict goes in your favor and you receive a payment.
As expected, the same applies when you pay for the other driver’s medical bills before the verdict is passed. If the verdict does not go in your favor, your insurance company has to refund you for such payments. But then, you may be asked to provide clear proof of expenses before receiving any refund.
Coleman Law Group Can Help You
It is no longer news that car accidents and other road accidents can be severe in most cases. Also, often, the result is severe injuries requiring medical attention and treatment. But, of course, this treatment costs money, and someone has to pay the bills. For years, there has been a debate on who should foot the medical bills of an accident victim. This is especially as many people believe that the victim is not supposed to bear the cost alone.
The truth is that there are various payment options for medical bills in an accident case. Unfortunately, these options are often decided according to your case’s unique details and facts. However, the good news is that having a personal injury lawyer’s backing can help swing the decision of who to pay for your medical bills in your favor.
At Coleman Law Group, we have all the experience and expertise to help you win a fair settlement for your damages in any accident. Surely, you should contact us now, and let’s help you make the most out of your case.
