Who Will Pay Your Medical Bills If You're Injured In An Auto Accident?
Posted on: 24 May 2018
Usually, you're at the mercy of another person's car insurance coverage if you're injured in an auto accident that wasn't your fault. The other driver's insurance should cover your medical bills, but that's not always how the situation plays out. Here is a look at where coverage for your medical bills can come from.
If the Driver Has Liability Insurance
Most states require drivers to have liability insurance. The at-fault driver's liability will cover your medical bill, but only up to the driver's liability limits. If your medical bills exceed the cost of the liability limits, you will have to pay the remainder out-of-pocket.
The treatment for any serious injury can balloon in costs. An at-fault driver with only state minimum liability coverage can leave you with few alternatives for paying your medical bills.
One helpful option is to pay into a medical payments coverage plan. Some states require you to have this type of coverage. When medical payment coverage is optional, you should still consider it.
Medical payments coverage can help cover medical expenses with, or instead of, your health insurance. The payments come from your insurance company, so there's no need to wait on the at-fault driver's insurer.
Another option is underinsured coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage helps deal with situations in which an at-fault driver's liability isn't enough. No matter what, look for insurance options that can help you despite the insurance situation the at-fault driver has.
If You Have Personal Injury Protection
The way injury claims work in no-fault states vary. Generally, they require all drivers to have personal injury protection coverage. When an accident occurs, no matter who is at fault, your insurance will pay for medical costs and lost wages.
Much like liability coverage, these plans can only pay up to a certain amount. Once the plan hits its payout limits, you will have to pay out of pocket. You can also file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, but no-fault states can make the process complicated and difficult.
Make sure you understand precisely what your personal injury protection covers. Some plans only partially cover certain types of injuries. Some plans may have limits within limits. You don't want to find out just how much or little your plan covers after you've already had an accident.
If You're Injured in an Automobile Accident
If you're in an auto accident and suffer an injury, speak to an auto accident attorney. You shouldn't have to guess at where the funds for your medical bills or lost wages will come from.
The way insurance claims for injuries work in all places can keep you running in circles for a long time. Seeking auto accident legal services immediately can help you receive the all the compensation you need.
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