Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

The various types of medical bills sent to Indiana car accident victims can be confusing, especially if the collision was serious.

In fact, a single collision between two vehicles can result in a handful of medical bills from various providers, such as ambulance and/or emergency air transport services, ER billing, radiology, orthopedic, surgery center care, etc.

In short, no matter the size of your car accident, any collision resulting in injury may require the care and services of multiple professionals to help ensure your health and well-being.

As a result, the most frequent question asked by Indiana car accident victims is, “Who pays for my car accident medical bills?”

The best way to determine how your medical bills are paid back is by consulting with an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney. Exactly how much you have to pay back, as well as who and how the bills are paid, depends on the circumstances of your individual case.

How are Car Accident ER Medical Bills Paid?

Immediately following the accident, it may be determined that you need to go to a hospital for emergency medical care. While you will not be required to pay upfront, you will eventually receive one or more bills. This is true no matter who was at fault for the collision and is completely normal under Indiana accident law.

4 Common Ways Car Accident Medical Bills are Paid

• Health insurance

In many instances, the initial medical bills are covered by your health insurance plan, including Medicare and Medicaid.

However, keep in mind that your health insurance company has the legal right to be reimbursed once your case has settled. If you don’t feel comfortable corresponding with the provider, your attorney can help ensure proper payment is made to the health insurance company.

• Car or truck insurance

It is likely that your car or truck insurance policy will have a medical payments (medpay) provision. Medpay is specifically designed to be accessed by Indiana accident victims in the event that they require medical care, meaning your insurance carrier will pay for the initial costs of emergency services, etc.

Medpay totals vary per policy, however, it is not uncommon to see $1k – $5k limits.

• Insurance subrogation (if you’re not liable for the accident)

If it’s determined that you are not liable for the accident (or no more than 50% at fault), your insurance company has the legal right to pursue the at-fault party’s insurance company for any payments that were made on your behalf for medical services.

The legal term for this process is known as “subrogation” and is a common practice handled by experienced Indiana personal injury attorneys.

• Liable insurance company

If you are not liable for the accident and uninsured, or your insurance company does not pay the medical bills, you may have the right to seek compensation from the liable party’s insurer in the form of a settlement or verdict.

However, keep in mind, part of the total compensation received from the liable party’s insurance company will be used to pay off your medical bills. (Compensation for pain and suffering or lost wages is separate from your medical bills payment.)

Can Car Accident Medical Bills be Negotiated?

Under Indiana law, hospitals and other providers have the right to place a medical lien against a personal injury settlement or judgment made on your behalf. A medical lien is a legal claim to a portion of your settlement to pay back what providers have spent on your care.

However, depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible for your attorney to negotiate the cost of your medical bills and reduce your total medical lien.

For example, an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to review your medical bills and locate any instances of incorrect or excessive charges. This can help to maximize your personal compensation after paying off any outstanding medical debts.

Questions about Car Accident Medical Bills?

If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and have questions about your medical bills, we may be able to help.

Boulton Law Group offers Indiana car accident victims a Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning you will never pay for a legal review of your case, and you owe the firm absolutely nothing unless you hire us and we make a recovery on your behalf.

To receive a free case review, please use our confidential contact form.