Getting seriously injured in a car accident doesn't just damage you physically, it damages you financially through unexpected, and quite large, medical expenses. Depending on the applicable insurance coverage, you could be confronted with significant out-of-pocket costs related to your medical care. A common question we receive from clients is "how are medical bills handled in the wake of a car accident?" Here is the answer - the patient is legally responsible for the initial payment of their medical expenses. However, the patient can then pursue financial restitution and recoup those medical expenses (along with other harms and losses) from the at-fault motorist through a personal injury claim.
Insurance and Medical Bills After a Car Accident
The primary source of insurance funds available to compensate you for the medical care necessary to treat your injuries is the at-fault motorist's auto insurance policy. Once it is established the other motorist was liable for causing the collision, their auto insurance carrier will be the source of insurance funds to help reimburse you for the medical expenses incurred as a result of the wreck.
The majority of auto accidents in Virginia, North Carolina, and elsewhere involve one vehicle colliding with another due to some form of driver error. There are many reasons a motorist may commit an error that leads to a collision. For example, many car wrecks are caused by speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving. Other collisions are caused by carelessness (e.g., failing to yield the right of way, drifting across lanes, or failing to judge the speed of an oncoming vehicle). When a motorist's negligence causes a serious car accident, the insurance policy of that negligent driver will likely be the source of funds to cover the cost of medical care.
What To Do If You Were the Victim of a Hit-and-Run or the Negligent Motorist Does Not Have Sufficient Insurance Coverage
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run, or discover that the negligent motorist who caused the accident has no auto insurance, or limited insurance coverage, do not give up hope. You can still seek financial restitution for your harms and losses. In this situation, you will likely need to utilize the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage within your own auto insurance policy. The claims process can get somewhat complex, but it still affords you a path to pursue compensatory damages.
Speak to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you were seriously injured in a car accident and have questions related to payment of medical expenses, consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney with our law firm. We take pride in carefully reviewing the facts of your case, as well as all insurance policies that may be involved. Our legal team will fight vigorously and pursue full and fair compensation for your car crash injuries and all damages you may be entitled to receive. It’s important to hire a lawyer early to ensure your rights are fully protected and your case is handled properly.
Contact our office today to schedule a free, confidential case review.
