Medical expenses after a crash can reach six figures. How will you pay them?
After a car accident, you likely have a lot on your mind. Will your car be totaled? How will you get a new one? What about medical expenses? How will those get paid?
If you suffer serious injuries, your medical bills can escalate quickly. The healthcare industry is ridiculous. Just a few nights in the hospital can result in six-figure costs. A disability can easily cost more than $100,000. Even minor injuries can result in tens of thousands of dollars. You likely do not have the money to pay up, especially if you are missing work to recuperate from your injuries.
Who Pays?
So, this begs the question: how will you pay for your medical bills? More than likely, you will not be responsible for paying the expenses out of pocket.
Generally, a third party will be responsible for the bills. This will depend on liability. If you caused the accident, your auto insurance will typically pay your medical bills. Your health insurance may cover any difference. If you were not at fault for the accident, then your medical bills are the responsibility of the other driver’s insurance company.
However, determining liability is not always an easy situation. It does not always happen overnight. It may take some time, so what happens when your doctor demands prompt payment?
In this situation, your insurance company will likely initially pay your medical bills. They can then seek reimbursement from the other driver, if necessary, at a later date.
So, if you are injured in a car accident, your best bet is to contact your health insurance provider first. They can help handle financial negotiations and often work with auto insurance companies for accident claims.
However, the health insurance company is still obligated to provide financial reimbursement. To ensure they receive compensation, they will procure a lien on the claim that will be paid to you. The money then goes through a process called subrogation, which means that the health insurer recoups the losses from your medical expenses through the auto insurance provider.
In the end, though, you are ultimately responsible for paying your medical costs after an accident or injury. If the other driver caused your injuries and you did not receive enough compensation from their insurance company to pay your damages, then you may have to move forward and request a settlement. A lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need.
Contact Our Edinburg Car Accident Lawyer Today
Accidents can result in significant financial damages. Who will pay the medical bills?
Do not avoid going to the doctor after an accident because you are afraid of the costs. They will more than likely be paid by a third party, such as an insurance company. A Texas car accident attorney from the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo. P.L.L.C. can address your concerns and give you peace of mind. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling (956) 318-3200.