Understanding Insurance Coverage for Car Accident Medical Bills

It’s important to understand your insurance benefits before you seek medical treatment after a crash. Knowing how much coverage you have can help alleviate the stress of managing car accident medical bills. Here are some key terms to know:

• Coverage limit: This is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for medical expenses and other damages.
• Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
• Copayments: This is the fixed amount you pay for a medical service, such as a doctor's visit or prescription.
• Coinsurance: This is the percentage of medical costs that you're responsible for paying after you've met your deductible.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: This is the most you'll have to pay for covered medical services each year.

If you sustained an injury in a crash, you generally have three medical insurance coverage options available to you. Each option comes with its own benefits and limitations. These include:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP is a type of insurance that covers car accident medical bills for you and your passengers, as well as certain other expenses. PIP coverage is typically required in no-fault states and may be required or optional in fault states.
• Medical Payments (MedPay): MedPay coverage is another type of car insurance that covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is optional in many “fault” states but required in a few states.
• Health Insurance: If you don't have PIP or MedPay coverage, your health insurance may cover some or all of your medical expenses. However, your health insurance provider may require you to pay your deductible and copayments. The amount of coverage you receive depends on the type of health insurance plan you have and the premiums you pay.

Navigating medical insurance after a car accident can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make the process easier. Here’s how:

• File a claim as soon as possible: In most states, you typically have two or three years to file a claim with your insurance company. But the sooner you act, the better of a chance you’ll have to build a strong case. It’s best to first consult with an attorney before speaking to insurance companies, however.
• Choose in-network providers: Choosing in-network providers can help you save money on your medical expenses. In-network providers have negotiated rates with your insurance company, which means you'll pay less for their services.
• Keep track of your expenses: Keep track of your medical expenses, including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance costs. This can help your attorney determine the true value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement.

If you sustained an injury in a crash, you may be wondering if insurance will cover your medical bills. Insurance will likely cover your expenses if any of the following criteria apply:

• You have PIP coverage: With PIP coverage, your insurance company will cover your medical costs, up to the policy limit, regardless of who caused the crash. It may also cover:
  • Wage loss if you missed work due to your injury.
  • Substitute services if you’re unable to perform household tasks.
  • Funeral expenses if you lost a loved one in a crash.
• You have MedPay: MedPay coverage will pay for reasonable medical expenses after a collision, regardless of who was at fault, up to the policy limit.
• The other driver Is at fault: If the other driver is proven to be at fault for the crash, their insurance company will be responsible for covering your medical expenses. This is known as third-party liability coverage. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist protection (UM), if you have it, will stand in for their liability insurance.

Why insurance might not cover your medical bills

While insurance coverage can help alleviate some of the financial burdens of a car accident, there are some situations where insurance might not cover your medical bills. For example:

• You don't have appropriate insurance coverage: If you don't have PIP, MedPay, or health insurance coverage, you may be responsible for paying your medical bills out-of-pocket.
• You're at fault for the accident: If you're at fault for a crash, you might not receive coverage for medical expenses. This will likely depend on whether you’re in an at-fault or no-fault state.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance company disputes liability or coverage: The insurance company may dispute whether their client caused your accident or whether your damages are actually related to the accident.

Dealing with car accident injury claims can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The legal jargon and complex procedures can leave you feeling lost and frustrated. Having a verified Premier lawyer on your side can save you the confusion of navigating car accident medical bills on your own.

With their knowledge and experience, an attorney can determine how much money you’re eligible for. They will also handle all communications with the insurance companies and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf. You only need to focus on recovering from your injuries.

Contact a verified car accident attorney in your area to get started on your claim. Car accident attorneys won’t charge you any upfront fees. That’s because they operate on a contingency fee basis. Plus, an attorney will be glad to listen to your story and answer any questions you have during a free consultation.