Handling your medical bills after a car crash can be a confusing undertaking that few motorists are prepared for. While automobile insurance and personal medical coverage should take care of most expenses, learning how to handle claims is the challenge. When both types of coverage are in place, victims need to know the order to submit bills to make certain medical providers are paid.
What Automobile Policies Cover
The personal injury protection on automobile policies is the first line of defense after a crash. This type of policy should be used first to cover all bills up to its limit. Auto policies will generally pay for such expenses as:
- Ambulance bills
- Emergency room visits
- Testing
- Surgical procedures
- Hospitalizations
- Medications
- Doctors’ visits
- Physical therapy and follow up care.
Most automobile policies will also pay for chiropractic care, if necessary, and other related expenses.
When Personal Medical Kicks in
Private medical insurance is also required to pay after a crash, but not until the automobile coverage is exhausted. This type of policy will pay for most bills that fall under covered services. Policy holders, however, will still be responsible for their deductibles and co-pays. They may also incur expenses related to the purchase of prescriptions and uncovered procedures.
What Happens to Other Bills?
As an automobile accident victim, you may find there are other forms of coverage available to help pay your medical bills. Victims are often entitled to compensation for long-term medical care, pain and suffering. Obtaining payment for these things often requires seeking a final accident settlement from the insurance company. The amount that can be requested depends on policy limits and the details of the accident in question. Depending on the severity of the injuries and the details of the crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may also be liable for payment of compensation.
Retaining Compensation Rights
When your medical bills are high and are anticipated to last for a time, it is imperative that steps are taken to retain settlement or lawsuit rights. Accident victims should take care to keep their medical appointments, document injuries, report for requested testing and follow doctors’ orders as they apply for recovery.
Getting Legal Advice
Since making sure your medical bills get paid may require a need to request a settlement or even sue, it is important to consider getting legal advice. A reputable lawyer can help you protect your rights to compensation and work on your behalf to obtain the money you are entitled to under the law.
