Who Pays Medical Bills After an Arizona Car Accident?

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that fault for the accident can be shared among multiple parties. In a third-party claim, the injured party (the claimant) seeks compensation from the at-fault party (the third party).

In Arizona, drivers who are partially at fault for car accidents can still seek compensation. However, that compensation would be reduced by the level of fault a driver contributes. For example, a driver who is 20% at fault and accrues $100,000 worth of damages would be eligible for $80,000. 

When pursuing a 3rd party claim, your attorney would file a claim against the other party’s insurance provider. Often, these claims result in settlement negotiations between the crash victim’s attorney and the insurance company. The goal is to reach a mutually agreeable compensation amount without going to court.

If you’re involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, there won’t be a 3rd party insurance company to seek compensation from. You’ll have to turn to your own insurance provider to cover the damages. In order to do this, you must have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

UM insurance is an optional add-on in Arizona. It pays for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses for you and your passengers. The UM limits in Arizona are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.

What if I was involved in a hit-and-run accident?

Hit-and-run accidents can be frustrating to deal with, but you’re not out of options. If the driver can be identified and they’re insured, you can pursue a claim against their insurance provider. However, if the driver can’t be identified, you’ll need to seek compensation from your own insurance company.

UM coverage pays for damages accrued in hit-and-run car accidents with an unidentifiable driver. So, if you have this type of insurance, you should be covered.

If you don’t have UM, or if the damages exceed the UM coverage limits, you still have other options for paying for medical bills. One of these options is medical payments (MedPay). Like UM, MedPay is optional in Arizona. It pays for:

• Immediate and ongoing medical expenses.
• Injuries to passengers.
• Dental treatment.
• Funeral expenses.

Unlike other types of insurance, MedPay doesn’t pay for property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

In Arizona, MedPay doesn’t have a standard limit. Instead, the limits are chosen by policyholders when they purchase their car insurance. Common MedPay limit options include amounts of $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, or more. This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay per person for crash-related medical expenses.

You can also use your health insurance policy (if you have one) to cover some medical costs. However, it’s important to understand your policy and any deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance you’re responsible for.

When pursuing a car accident claim, especially for compensation related to medical bills, it's crucial to meticulously document and preserve a range of evidence. Here's a list of key documentation to keep:

• Accident report: Obtain a copy of the police report filed at the scene of the car accident. This report usually contains important details about the accident, including potential fault.
• Medical records: Gather all medical records related to the treatment you received for injuries sustained. This includes initial emergency room records, records from follow-up visits, diagnoses, prescribed treatments, and prognoses.
• Medical bills: Keep detailed records of all medical bills. This includes hospital bills, bills for medical procedures, medication costs, and receipts for any over-the-counter medications or medical supplies purchased due to the accident.
• Photographic evidence: Include photos of the car accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. These can provide visual proof of the crash’s severity and its impact on you.
• Witness information: Collect contact information and statements from witnesses. Their accounts can be crucial in establishing the facts of the accident.

If you plan on seeking compensation for damages not related to medical costs, keep documentation of the following:

• Proof of income: If you've lost income due to your car accident, keep your pay stubs, direct deposit records, tax returns, or any other proof of lost income.
• Receipts for related expenses: Save receipts for any additional costs incurred due to the car accident. This can include transportation costs to medical appointments, costs for hiring home help, and any modifications made to your home.
• Repair estimates and bills: If your vehicle was damaged, include estimates and final bills for repair work.

If you sustained injuries in a car accident in Arizona, get top notch legal representation for the best possible outcome. Dealing with a car accident claim on your own can be risky. You may be up against pushy insurance companies who are more interested in saving a buck than paying for your damages.

Get the full compensation you rightfully deserve by hiring a Law.com Premier Car Accident Lawyer in Arizona. They’ll help you explore your options, investigate your car accident, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Best of all, it won’t cost you any money up front to hire a Premier Lawyer. They work on a contingency fee basis and don’t get paid unless you’re fully compensated. Plus, you can determine if an attorney is the right fit for you during a free consultation. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer, just honest answers to any questions you have.

Law.com Premier Attorney

Browne Law Group
366 N Gilbert Rd, Unit 202, Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 771-2442
https://antilawyer.com/