It is common to wonder who will pay your medical bills if you are injured in a car wreck of 18 wheeler accident. Many people believe that they should not have to front the cost of their medical care if someone else caused their car wreck. So too, many people believe that their health insurance company should, also not have to pay for their medical care if another party is at fault in their 18 wheeler accident. The primary concern, however, must be getting the necessary medical treatment. Holding the at-fault party responsible, must come second to taking care of your health.
The goal of any suit or claim following a car accident or truck wreck is to make the injured party whole. This should include compensation for medical costs. A settlement or favorable verdict at trial is great. However, that doesn’t help get the care you need now. To learn more about the types of damages that you can expect to recover in litigation following a car wreck in Houston, read How Much is my Personal Injury Case Worth?
The Defendant is generally not required to pay your Medical Bills as they Come in
As a general rule, you handle your medical bills as they are incurred. You may want to be mindful of your protecting your credit and arrange for payment or a payment plan while the claim or case is pending. Even if the person who injured you is clearly at fault, they are not required to pay your medical bills on an ongoing basis. Ultimately, your medical bills should be part of the damage model and part of any settlement or recovery.
Med Pay Coverage or Personal Injury Protection Insurance
You may have purchased Med Pay or Personal Injury Protection coverage when you purchased your car insurance. This insurance is designed to pay for your medical bills and lost wages following a car wreck. It is a good idea for drivers to purchase this coverage if at all possible. This coverage is optional and so discuss this coverage with your insurance broker. To learn more about Personal Injury Protection insurance, read What is PIP Protection?
Using your Health Insurance Coverage after a Car Wreck
Often injured parties are taken for emergency care after an accident. Of course, in this situation the focus is on caring for the individual, as opposed to who is responsible. Using health insurance coverage, if available, is an option for avoiding higher uninsured costs of care. People who find themselves in this situation may fill out forms for their insurance company identifying the at-fault party. The insurance company may have the option to seek reimbursement for the claims paid on your behalf.
The primary concern after any accident, whether that is a car wreck, or 18 wheeler accident should be getting the help you need to recover. A skilled personal injury attorney can help guide you through the process of ensuring that any settlement or verdict includes your medical care costs. Contact Chelsie King Garza for a free consultation following any personal injury.
