Following an auto accident, getting medical treatment is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, as you are treated, your medical expenses can grow. Whether or not you are responsible for paying for those expenses or another depends on several factors, including the state in which you live. To help you determine if you are, here is what you need to know.
Do You Live in a No-Fault State?
If you live in a no-fault state, your auto insurance is responsible for covering some or all of the medical expenses that you incur. There are 12 no-fault states, including Florida and Michigan. It is important to note that in some no-fault states, such as New Jersey, there are monetary thresholds that limit how much the insurance company is responsible for paying. The amount of the threshold varies by state.
If you live in a state that does have a threshold, you are responsible for paying the expenses that go above it. For instance, if the threshold amount if $15,000, but your bills are $20,000, you are responsible for the $5,000 beyond the threshold.
Can You Rely on Your Health Insurance?
Depending on your insurer and the medical services you used, there is a possibility that your health insurer will help cover the costs of some of your treatments. Even if you are receiving government-sponsored health care, such as Medicaid, it is still possible to have some or all of your expenses covered.
What If You Live in a State Without No-Fault Laws?
Unfortunately, if you live in a state that does not have no-fault laws, you are responsible for paying your expenses. There is an exception though. If your auto insurance policy included medical payment insurance coverage, your insurance company is required to pay up to a certain amount towards your medical expenses.
If your state does not require the inclusion of medical payment insurance coverage and you did not opt into it, the responsibility for paying the expenses is yours.
What If You Win a Lawsuit or Settlement?
In the event that you successfully sue the other driver or settle with his or her insurance company, the amount you are awarded should help to cover your expenses. It is very likely that your attorney will not settle for less than the amount needed to pay off your medical treatment.
If your personal health insurance company or auto insurance company paid any of the medical expenses and you win a settlement, it is important to remember that you must reimburse the amount paid.
Your attorney can provide you with invaluable information about your state's insurance laws and help you determine how to get your medical bills paid.
For more info on personal injury law, contact an attorney near you.
Share29 November 2015
When I was a child, my father was the pastor of a small evangelical church in my hometown. I always enjoyed going to church in order to play with my friends. One of these friends suffered a horrific accident at a local gas station one day. As he was walking towards the entrance to the gas station, he was struck by a vehicle. His leg was seriously injured during the accident. To help with the expenses of recovery, his father hired an accident and personal injury attorney. This professional helped my friend’s father sue the person who struck his son. On this blog, you will discover the advantages of hiring an accident and personal injury attorney after incurring injuries from a devastating accident.