First of all. One of the first things to do after a car accident is to contact one of Cantor Injury Law’s St. Louis car accident lawyers. Car accidents can happen unexpectedly and leave a trail of physical, emotional, and financial challenges in their wake. Beyond the immediate concerns for safety and recovery, one crucial question looms large for those involved: “Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident?”
Medical expenses can escalate quickly, adding to an already distressing situation. In this blog, we aim to shed light on the complexities surrounding medical bill payments in the aftermath of a car accident. We’ll help you navigate this unfair system and explain different scenarios that dictate who bears the burden of medical bills. Whether you reside in a no-fault or at-fault state, knowing your rights and options can make a significant difference in obtaining the financial support you deserve during your recovery.
Navigating An Unfair System
First, we want to start by saying that if you’re asking the question of who will be paying for your medical bills, then you’re probably in a very upsetting and unfair situation. It’s unfair that you were hurt by someone else’s negligence. It’s unfair that you have medical bills as a result. You’re probably worried about your credit, your insurance and where you’ll get the money to pay these bills.
Here are a few avenues of payment you can explore for paying back your medical bills:
1) Medical Payment Benefits
Start with your own insurance. Your insurance company may have something called “Medical Pay”. Medical Payment Benefits, often referred to as MedPay benefits, are a type of insurance coverage designed to provide reimbursement for medical expenses incurred due to injuries sustained in an auto accident. MedPay benefits are offered as a part of auto insurance policies in some states in the United States.
Here are the key features and characteristics of Medical Payment Benefits:
- Coverage For Medical Expenses: MedPay benefits are specifically intended to cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained in a car accident. This includes expenses such as hospitalization, ambulance services, surgery, doctor visits, X-rays, and other medical treatments.
- No-Fault Coverage: Unlike liability insurance, which is typically subject to determining fault in an accident, MedPay benefits are considered “no-fault” coverage. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, the injured parties can claim MedPay benefits to cover their medical costs up to the policy limit.
- Coverage For Insured And Passengers: MedPay benefits typically cover the policyholder and any passengers in the insured vehicle at the time of the accident. It may also extend to cover the policyholder if they are injured while in someone else’s vehicle or as a pedestrian, depending on the policy terms.
- Quick Payouts: MedPay benefits usually provide a relatively straightforward and swift claims process. Once the medical expenses are documented and submitted to the insurance company, reimbursement is typically made promptly, helping accident victims cover their immediate medical costs.
- Policy Limits: MedPay benefits come with predetermined coverage limits, which can vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider. Policyholders can choose the coverage amount they desire, typically ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Coordination With Health Insurance: MedPay benefits can be used to cover medical expenses that are not fully covered by health insurance or to cover deductibles and copayments. It can serve as a supplementary source of medical payment to reduce out-of-pocket costs for the insured.
2) Health Insurance Coverage
One unfair aspect of health insurance is the fact that the jury has no knowledge of your coverage during the case. You may end up having to pay back your insurance company which is called “subrogation” or “health insurance subrogation.” Subrogation is a legal concept that allows an insurance company, such as your health insurance provider, to seek reimbursement for medical expenses they have covered on your behalf if you later receive compensation from a liable third party, such as the at-fault driver’s auto insurance or a settlement from a personal injury claim.
The responsibility for paying your medical bills after a car accident can depend on various factors, including the type of insurance coverage you have and the state’s insurance regulations. In general, health insurance and auto insurance may play different roles in covering your medical expenses after a car accident.
3) Medical Care On A Lien Basis
Medical care on a lien basis refers to a specific arrangement where a healthcare provider agrees to provide medical services to a patient without upfront payment. Instead, the healthcare provider agrees to accept payment for their services from any settlement or judgment the patient may receive from a third party, such as an insurance company or the at-fault party in a personal injury lawsuit.
If you choose Cantor, we’ll help find you a board-certified doctor who will assert a lien on your case. When your case resolves, you’ll need to pay them but we’ll deal with that for you. There’s a lean statute in Missouri that is a bit complicated, but basically, if you have a million dollars in insurance and a $100,000 recovery, you may realize that you won’t get any money. But if it’s all on a lean basis, the most these lean providers can get is half the disposable amount after attorney fees and costs.
An easy example is if you get 100 hours and you take out the attorney fees and costs, let’s say you’re left with $60. You would then get $30 and the medical providers would get $30. In this case, you would still win under the lien laws in Missouri. Lien laws can be very helpful if you have a lawyer who knows how to use them. We recommend a local lawyer who is familiar with state laws. Specifically, if you live in Missouri, you need a local lawyer who knows how to get you the medical care and compensation you deserve.
What Happens If Medical Bills Exceed Policy Limits?
When medical bills exceed the policy limits of your insurance coverage, it can create a significant financial burden. Here are a few steps you can take if you find yourself in this situation:
- Health Insurance: Utilize your health insurance to cover the remaining medical expenses. While you may still have out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copayments, your health insurance can help cover the bulk of the expenses.
- Personal Injury Claim: Pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. If their insurance policy limits are also exhausted, you may need to take legal action to seek additional compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
- Medical Care On A Lien Basis: As mentioned earlier, you can arrange for medical care on a lien basis, where healthcare providers agree to be paid from any future settlements or judgments. This can help you access necessary medical treatment without upfront costs.
- Payment Plans: Negotiate payment plans with your medical providers. Many healthcare providers are willing to work out a payment schedule that allows you to pay off your bills over time.
- Financial Assistance Programs: Look into financial assistance programs that may be available through hospitals or non-profit organizations to help cover medical expenses.
It’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can help you navigate these options and pursue the maximum compensation available for your case.
Cantor Is Here To Help!
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re asking “Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident?”, it’s time to call Cantor Injury Law. We can help you get your medical bills paid after a car accident.
We will begin by evaluating the details of your case, including the extent of your injuries and medical expenses. Through a thorough investigation, we will gather evidence to establish who is at fault for the accident. We will then negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf to pursue fair compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
Additionally, we’ll ensure that all your medical expenses related to the accident are properly documented and included in your claim. This includes calculating the total damages, taking into account lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses, if applicable. If the insurance company does not offer a satisfactory settlement, we will be prepared to represent you in court to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation. Throughout the process, we will handle any medical liens on your settlement or judgment and work to maximize your overall recovery.