How are medical bills paid after a car accident?
If you don’t have auto insurance, you may have to pay your medical bills out of pocket, even if the crash wasn’t your fault. In a situation where someone else caused your crash, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages from them. To do so, partnering with a car accident lawyer may be beneficial.
Lafayette Car Accident Lawyer can help you with your auto crash claim. Contact us if you are ready to file a claim or want more information. Below, we answer “How are medical bills paid after a car accident?” and other related questions.
Should I use my health insurance to pay my car accident medical bills?
Even if you’re not at fault for the crash, using your health insurance lets you get medical care immediately. Meanwhile, you’ll still be able to pursue compensation as part of a personal injury claim. If you submit a claim against an at-fault party, your insurance company will manage getting reimbursed for any medical expenses it previously covered.
Should I use Medicare or Medicaid coverage to pay my auto accident medical bills?
Yes. Your Medicare or Medicaid coverage may help you get the medical care you need to recover from your injury. It may be in your best interests to report your injury to Medicare, regardless of whether you’re responsible for your injury.
Can I use a payment plan for my medical bills?
Possibly, depending on your medical provider. Your auto accident lawyer can notify your doctors that you are actively pursuing compensation from someone responsible for your collision, which may encourage your healthcare team to offer a payment plan. In other cases, your attorney can provide a letter of protection, which requests that your providers put your payments on hold until your claim is settled.
Will my auto insurance cover my medical expenses?
You can use your auto insurance policy to cover your medical costs. All drivers in Louisiana are legally required to have minimum liability coverage for any car they own. However, coverage for your medical payments is optional. Review your policy and contact your insurance provider to determine if you have this coverage.
Do I have to tell my health insurance provider about my auto accident?
You may not be legally required to do so. If you don’t contact your health insurance provider, you may have to pay your medical expenses without help. By notifying your insurer, you can get financial help with these bills. However, using that coverage may cause the insurance provider to raise your premiums, depending on their policies.
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?
Per Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) 23:1209, there’s a one-year statute of limitations. You have up to one year from the auto accident and injury date to seek damages from any at-fault parties. If you decide not to pursue compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be solely responsible for your medical bills and other accident-related costs.
Hurt in a crash? Call us.
Hiring an auto accident lawyer can give you peace of mind. They will investigate your case, identify anyone who contributed to your injuries, and protect your rights. Our attorneys work to help you secure damages from any at-fault parties.
