If you were hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be wondering who is responsible for your medical bills that keep piling up as you get treated for your injuries.
The answer can be complicated.
If another driver is found to have caused your injuries, their insurance company will ultimately be responsible for paying your damages – which will include medical bills.
But until your attorneys and insurance companies reach a settlement and agree on a fair amount of compensation, that stack of medical bills is your responsibility. There are a few different ways to pay these medical bills while you and your attorney are working on a settlement.
These include:
- CAR INSURANCE: Your own auto insurance policy should include personal injury protection, though there’s a limit to how much the policy will pay. You can file medical claims with your own insurance company and pay some bills with the personal injury money from your own policy, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Your own insurance company will seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- HEALTH INSURANCE: Your personal health insurance policy will cover some, if not all, of the costs incurred while getting treated for your injuries. Like your car insurance company, your health insurance company will want to know that the injuries they’re covering are linked to a car crash. They may want to seek their own reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- ATTORNEY LIENS: If it’s a clear-cut case and you weren’t at fault, your attorney may sign a document granting first priority to your medical providers when you get your settlement check. Often, that document alone is enough to keep doctor’s offices from harassing you about bills or worse, sending them to collections.
- OUT OF POCKET: If you’re financially able, you may end up having to foot your own medical bills until your settlement check arrives. If you choose this route, make sure you and your attorney are keeping track of every penny you have paid out so you can be fully reimbursed at a later date. If you’re unable to pay the bills on your own, let your attorney know. There may be other options available to help while you focus on your recovery.
Medical bills, no matter how small or large, can add unnecessary stress to an already stressful situation. And stress will only hinder your healing after a crash. Don’t let that stack of bills get in the way of your recovery after an accident. Contact Wright Gray personal injury attorneys today for a consultation.