There’s more to an accident than just the physical pain. These incidents bring some untold medical bills that accumulate very fast. From the emergency care to a follow-up visit, the expenses can be unbearable.
If you find yourself drowning in bills after a crash, the injury attorneys at Best Law, PC can help you navigate your legal options. Founded by Elissa Best, this firm supports victims facing various civil matters, including accidents. They know how to deal with complex claims and do their best to secure the best possible compensation for victims.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Medical expenses add up quickly after an accident. The ambulance ride, visit to the ER, X-rays, or even surgery may cost thousands of dollars. Although most people might think that the insurance of the at-fault driver will compensate immediately, it is not always so.
As a matter of fact, it is reported that out-of-pocket health care payments in the US had surpassed 433 billion US dollars as of 2021. Most victims are forced to pay out of pocket even when they were not to blame. Sources of payment may be different.
What Are Other Options for Handling Medical Bills?
In case the accident-related bills begin to accumulate, here are a few solutions by the Best Law that can come to the rescue:
Health Insurance
The health insurance coverage can cover part of your treatment after an accident. Nevertheless, liability for co-pays, deductibles, and treatments that are not included in your plan may still be on you.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
PIP coverage in no-fault states is used to cover medical bills and even lost wages, regardless of who was at fault. Coverage amount will vary with your policy, but it can provide you with temporary relief until your case is over.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Not all drivers have sufficient insurance to pay damages. In fact, the Insurance Research Council reports that approximately one out of every eight drivers in the U.S. is uninsured. UM/UIM coverage comes in handy in such cases as taking care of medical bills where the at-fault driver is not able to do so.
Medical Payments (Med-Pay) Coverage.
Med-Pay is a part of some insurance policies. This form of insurance covers medical expenses up to a specific limit, whether at fault or not. Although limits are lower in most cases compared to PIP, it can still minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Medical Liens
In case you are unable to pay the bills immediately, some hospitals and physicians will accept a medical lien. This implies that they are willing to accept payment after your case has been settled. These liens can be negotiated by your attorney on many occasions.
Final Thoughts
Medical bills can drain your pockets and add more stress to you during recovery. However, the good news is that there are other options that can help you avoid drowning in medical bills after an accident.
If you do not know what option is right for you, you may want to consult a legal professional, such as lawyers at Best Law.
Key Points to Remember
- Medical expenses increase rapidly following accidents.
- Health insurance can help, but it hardly covers everything.
- PIP, UM/UIM, and Med-Pay might be a good source of financial relief.
- One out of every eight drivers in the U.S. is uninsured, so UM is extremely important.
- Medical liens allow you to pay later when your case is settled.