Who Pays the Medical Expenses in an Auto Accident That Was Not Your Fault?

If you were injured in an accident, who pays your medical expenses?

Being in an auto accident can have effects on all aspects of your life. If you are injured in an auto accident, how to get your medical bills paid can be confusing.

Your personal health insurance

The best way to take care of your medical bills quickly is to have them charged to your personal health insurance. Just ensure you always let each provider you see know you are being treated for an auto accident. There will still be your normal co-pays and deductibles that you will need to pay out of pocket. Don’t worry, if you have medical payment coverage on your car insurance, you can have them pay your co-pays and deductibles. You can learn more under medical payment coverage.

If you were seriously injured in your accident and are missing work due to your injuries, this can be a real strain on your finances. In an effort to manage this strain while waiting for a settlement, you can try working out lower payment plans or even look to see if the treatment facility has programs that can help you pay your bills.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, medical bills are yours to pay, and not paying your bills due to a vehicle accident has the same impact as any other bill you do not pay. It may go to collection and impact your credit rating.

Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay)

MedPay is from the insurance policy for the vehicle you were in. The amount of coverage varies and it is a set amount that anyone injured in your vehicle shares. Your providers would directly bill your insurance and your insurance will pay them directly. The downside is MedPay coverage is usually a very low amount and not enough to pay everything.

Healthcare Providers’ Liens

Sometimes a healthcare provider will agree to delay billing until you have reached a settlement with the at-fault person’s insurance company. They place a lien on your potential settlement to make sure they get paid once your settlement is finalized.

Documentation

It’s crucial to keep thorough records of all your medical expenses, bills, and any related documentation. Additionally, document all communication with insurance companies and healthcare providers. Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation, especially if the case involves significant injuries or disputes regarding liability. You may need to file a personal injury claim to recover the damages you are entitled to.

What You Can Do

Auto Accidents can bring lots of uncertainty, especially when it comes to medical bills. Your personal health insurance is usually the primary source for covering these expenses and MedPay, if you have coverage, can be used to pay some of your co-pays and deductibles. Not paying your bills can affect your credit score and lead to collection action. However, if the accident caused severe injuries leading to missed work and financial strain, you may want to consider seeking legal advice.