Who will foot the bill for your doctor’s visit after a crash? Explore the options outlined below to determine which one best suits your situation.
The at-fault driver's insurance company
If your car accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, their insurance company would be obligated to pay for your doctor’s visits. However, the following criteria must be met before you can pursue a claim:
- The other driver must have failed to uphold their duty of care on the road.
- There must be a link between the crash and your injury and other damages.
- You must have evidence that proves both fault and your damages.
An experienced car accident attorney can establish negligence, tally up your damages, and use evidence to build your case. The amount of money you receive in a settlement will likely depend on the severity of your injuries and losses. It will also depend on the negligence laws that apply in your state. For example:
- Pure comparative negligence: Under this rule, each party involved in a collision is assigned a percentage of fault. Even if you’re found to be 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of the damages.
- Modified comparative negligence: This type of comparative negligence has two variations. In the "50% Bar Rule," you can only recover damages if your percentage of fault is less than 50%. In the "51% Bar Rule," you can recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be reduced by the amount of fault you contributed.
- Contributory negligence: Under this strict rule, you can be barred from recovering damages if you contributed any fault to a crash. This applies even if you’re found only 1% at fault.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP is a type of car insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault. PIP typically covers medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
PIP coverage is mandatory in 12 states. In other states, it’s optional. It’s important to check your state's specific laws and regulations to determine whether you already have PIP coverage.
If your state doesn’t require PIP, you can still add it to your insurance policy. Many insurance companies offer PIP as an optional coverage. Before pursuing a PIP claim, make sure you speak to an attorney to understand your rights and what type of compensation you’re entitled to.
Your health insurance
If you have health insurance, you can use it to pay for doctor’s visits after a car accident. However, it’s important to understand your policy and coverage. Some insurance plans may require a co-pay for doctor’s visits. This is a fixed fee that you would pay out-of-pocket, even if your health insurance covers most of the cost.
To find out how much of the cost your insurance provider will cover, review the terms and conditions, as well as the deductible. This is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance provider starts covering the costs of your doctor’s visits.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM coverage is a type of car insurance that provides financial protection if you’re injured in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It also applies to hit-and-runs where the at-fault driver can’t be identified. This coverage helps pay for your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.
Not sure if you have UM/UIM? Check the insurance policies in your state. Some states automatically include it in your car insurance policy unless you reject it in writing. If you live in a state where UM/UIM is optional, it’s highly recommended that you get it. It can prevent you from having to pay for your damages out of your own pocket.
With UM/UIM, you would seek compensation from your own car insurance company. However, it’s important to consult with an attorney before pursuing a claim. An attorney can determine the true value of your claim and fight to ensure you receive full compensation.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
MedPay is a type of car insurance coverage that pays for medical expenses accrued from a car accident. This type of coverage is optional and can be added to your existing car insurance policy. It will reimburse you for a doctor’s visit after a car accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
MedPay typically has a limit on the amount it will cover. It’s important to review your policy and understand the terms and conditions. Depending on which state you’re in and which insurer you use, MedPay limits can range from $1,000 to $25,000.