- April 29, 2023
- Car Accidents
- Insurance
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Personal Injury
The world of insurance can be confusing, and if you're injured in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is who will pay for all your medical bills. Don't fret too much, because you have several options, including your health insurance.If you're involved in an automobile accident, don't let the fear of costly medical bills keep you from receiving medical care.
However, if your insurer refuses to pay your medical bills, contact our car accident lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. at 248-286-8100.
Why Choose Goodman Acker P.C.?
We have over 150 years of combined experience with personal injury claims, including automobile and motorcycle accidents. We know you don't want to be stuck with outrageous medical bills after an accident and want to ensure you get an acceptable settlement. Our legal team at Goodman Acker P.C. can assist you with this daunting process, easing the worry and stress and ensuring you get what you deserve.
Whether you are filing a claim with your insurer or against the at-fault party’s insurance company, our car accident attorneys are here for you.
We understand how personal injury claims work and can also help you get compensation from a negligent third party. We work on a contingency fee basis, so legal fees should not stop you from getting representation. Contact us today at 248-286-8100 to speak with one of our Detroit car accident lawyers.
Will Health Insurance Cover Medical Bills From a Car Accident?
After a car accident, different options are available for paying your medical bills. First, Michigan is an at-fault state. As such, the personal injury protection (PIP) portion of your no-fault auto insurance policy will pay all your reasonably necessary medical expenses, with no maximum limit.
Second, if you sustained severe injuries, disfigurement, or a disability, the car insurance coverage of the person at fault will cover all medical expenses up to the policy limits. Third, your health insurance policy can pay for all your medical expenses.
In Michigan, you can coordinate your PIP coverage with a health or disability insurance policy to reduce your PIP premium.
If you coordinate your insurance plans, your health insurance will pay for your medical bills if an accident happens. Your health insurance coverage will be the primary payer, while your PIP insurance will cover any remaining ‘eligible’ medical expenses not covered by the policy.
Before coordinating your health insurance and PIP, ensure your insurance company covers injuries from car accidents. This is because most health insurance carriers restrict coverage for auto accident injuries if you have an existing auto insurance policy.
Are There Other Insurance Options for My Medical Bills?
You can also carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your car insurance, which would also help pay any bills not covered by the other driver. As with any insurance, your insurance policy will outline what services are covered and which are not. The ones that are not covered under your insurance plans will be your responsibility.
If you are transported by an ambulance from the crash scene to the hospital, you will likely receive all medical treatment necessary. The hospital will work with you to determine what insurance coverage you have. Also, the insurance companies involved, both auto and health, will try to work together to determine the responsible party for medical bill coverage.
Note that, irrespective of the type of insurance that pays your medical bills, you can still seek compensation from the driver at fault if you sustained severe injuries, disfigurement, or disability. The police department will do its job to determine who was at fault and collect all the necessary information, such as insurance information, names, and contact information from each driver and names and contact information from witnesses.
Once the at-fault party is identified, you can file a lawsuit. You don't have to pay for long-lasting medical issues as a victim, and you will also likely have lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Therefore, contacting our car accident lawyer to help you determine your rights and eligibility for compensation is highly recommended.
Do Medical Bills Come Out of My Settlement?
After a settlement is agreed upon or fault is determined at a trial, the insurance companies that initially paid for the medical bills will collect their share. If there isn't an auto or health insurance company to reimburse, you must pay your medical bills to the provider first. However, your attorney can petition the judge to request a limit on how much the provider can take off the total settlement.
Typically, medical providers cannot collect more than 50% of the settlement. Your attorney will ensure the proper organizations get paid before you receive any money from the settlement. This includes payments to insurance companies, the hospital, emergency services, and attorney fees.
Sustaining an injury from an automobile accident can result in long-term effects such as back issues, leg pain, limited limb use, brain injury, or permanent scarring. If you decide to pursue a lawsuit, you should be able to keep a portion of your settlement to help care for your long-term needs, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or chiropractic care. We will ensure the payment goes directly to you to help cover your future expenses.
Will Health Insurance Cover Me in a Motorcycle Accident?
The same rules apply to a motorcycle accident, and health insurance will cover any medical bills for injuries resulting from the accident. The auto insurance companies would pay first, and your health insurance would pick up the remaining bills once the car insurance limits are met. If your health insurance picks up the bills first, it will file a claim to the auto insurance companies.
What Is a Medical Lien?
If you do not own any insurance types mentioned earlier, your attorney will help you get a medical lien. A medical lien is a doctor or hospital claim against an upcoming settlement for payment for necessary medical care. Once a settlement is reached, you'll be required to pay the medical lien before receiving your part of the settlement.
If you have Medicare or Medicaid, it will likely cover your medical expenses and seek reimbursement through a medical lien if a settlement occurs. The medical provider will request the payment, or the state will for Medicaid, and the federal level will seek reimbursement for Medicare.
Will Health Insurance Cover Medical Bills From a Car Accident FAQs
After a car accident, how to pay your medical bills may not be your only concern. When you visit our law office, we will listen to you and try to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns. But first, here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions we encounter.
Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
Your health insurance coverage or PIP insurance can pay for your medical bills. If you consolidate the policies, your health insurance will pay for part of your medical expenses, and your PIP will cover the rest. If you suffer severe wounds, the at-fault party will cover your medical bills as part of your settlement.
Will I Recover the Money Used to Pay Medical Bills?
Technically, the money for your medical bills does not go to you. If your PIP insurer paid the bills, they would get the money back from the at-fault party when you receive a settlement. The same is true when your health insurer covers the expenses. If you received treatment on a medical lien, the doctor or medical facility that provided the medical care will get the money. Finally, you will get the money back if you paid out of pocket.
What Other Compensation Can I Receive Aside From Medical Expenses?
Aside from medical expenses, you can also receive compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of consortium, etc. If you lose a loved one, you will also receive funeral and burial expenses.
How Much Compensation Can I Recieve for Medical Expenses?
The amount of your medical expenses compensation depends on the extent of your treatment. This includes the number of doctor visits, lab tests, hospital tests, surgeries, etc. If you need future medical care, the type of treatment and the frequency will also impact your compensation. Keep receipts from the bills paid to get an accurate figure for your medical costs.
Let Goodman Acker P.C., Help You Get the Settlement You Deserve
The world of insurance can be confusing. If you have suffered a severe injury due to an automobile or motorcycle accident, navigating the stressful twists and turns of the insurance world is the last thing you'll want to face. Rather than handling insurance companies alone, contact the team at Goodman Acker P.C.
We will represent your interests before the insurer and advise you of all the legal options available. Call us at 248-286-8100 to schedule a free case review.