Are Medical Bills Paid in a Personal Injury Claim?

When you are injured as the result of a car accident, medical bills can build up quickly. While you should not be responsible for the medical and financial consequences of the accident, you may feel that you are expected to pay your medical bills on your own. This is not true. You have the right to recover the costs of medical services received as a result of an accident.

Paying Your Medical Bills

Unless you live in a no-fault state, demand that your personal injury medical bills are paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance. If you do live in a no-fault state, there are many options for personal injury medical bill payment.

The at-fault insurance company should pay for your personal injury medical bills if they are part of a personal injury claim settlement. Do not accept their initial offer without assessing the true cost of the accident.
Your car insurance may include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Med Pay. If so, your personal injury medical bills will recovered in part or in full by your own car insurance company. This is particularly true in no-fault states.
Your health insurance will also pay for your medical bills. If you receive a settlement from your car insurance company or the at-fault car insurance company, you will be required to repay the bills covered.
Medicaid and Medicare can also cover personal injury medical bills until a settlement is received. There are strict limits on time, income, and assets with both of these methods of medical bill payment. You will be required to repay Medicaid and Medicare if you receive a settlement.

Regardless of which method you pursue to pay your personal injury medical bills, document all bills and paperwork. Send these documents, keeping copies for yourself, to the correct location. If you mail documentation, pay a little extra for signature confirmation of receipt.

A personal injury claim can take several years to resolve. Until you receive your settlement, pursue the alternate methods listed above to avoid interest on your medical bills.

Pursue Your Claim With A Lawyer

Your lawyer can help you get a settlement that will include payment of personal injury medical bills. After you provide your lawyer with documentation that includes all accident details and evidence, received medical bills, and anticipated medical expenses. Personal injury cases are complex and often overwhelming for the injured party. An experienced lawyer can make sure you get the settlement you deserve.

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