Getting Your Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident
Between paying for surgeries, physical therapy, and other doctors’ visits, a motor vehicle accident can place you in constant worry about your future. On top of paying medical bills, most accident victims are unable to work for a period of time, only compounding their anxiety. Many people do not understand their options for paying their medical bills and instead pay out of pocket. This is advised against, as it places you in financial distress due to another person’s negligence.
If you have recently been involved in a collision, the car accident attorneys at Raybin & Weissman in Nashville, TN, would like to hear from you. With nearly 50 years of experience advocating for car accident victims, our legal team possesses the skills, knowledge, and expertise to effectively support your claim.
Your Health Insurance
It can take anywhere from several months to more than a year to receive an insurance settlement. All the while, your medical bills may come due and be payable upon receipt. In this situation, you may consider filing claims with your health insurance carrier. Health insurance will process your claims more efficiently, providing you with financial relief. Coverage will depend on the terms of your health insurance policy, with deductible and co-pay amounts still applying.
However, your health insurance company reserves the right to be reimbursed for these claims, a process known as subrogation. If the accident was not your fault, your health insurance company will most likely ask for reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance. Handling a subrogation claim can be tricky, requiring that you work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the process.
MedPay
MedPay, also known as medical payments coverage, is an optional coverage offered by most Tennessee auto insurance companies. MedPay coverage applies to any medical bills that you or your passengers incur due to your accident. Coverage will apply regardless of fault, with some insurers offering up to $100,000 in benefits. However, given the increased premiums with this add-on coverage, many motorists decline to purchase it.
The Other Driver’s Auto Insurance
If the other driver is responsible for the crash, Tennessee law permits you to file a claim with their auto insurance company. Their insurance will be responsible for paying any expenses related to your injuries or property damage, subject to the insured’s policy limits. Tennessee law requires that motorists carry minimum liability limits of $25,000 per injury or death, $50,000 for total injuries or deaths per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. As previously mentioned, there is a waiting period before a settlement is received.
If you do not have health insurance or MedPay, your doctor may agree to place a lien on your insurance settlement, allowing them to be directly paid out of your settlement. However, you will want to hire representation to guarantee that the process is handled smoothly.
Personal Injury Suit
If your damages exceed the other driver’s policy limits, then you may need to pursue litigation. A personal injury suit will allow you to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other financial, physical, and emotional losses that you suffered as a result of the accident.
In a personal injury lawsuit, both the plaintiff and the defendant will present evidence and call witnesses to testify. Both sides will be able to cross-examine witnesses to poke holes in each other’s stories. However, you only have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee, so you will need to make this decision sooner rather than later.
A Nashville Car Accident Lawyer Pursuing Various Roles
No matter what the specifics of your situation are, a car accident attorney can provide a helping hand. If you cannot afford to pay your medical bills, a car accident lawyer can help negotiate with providers. If you have been repeatedly offered low settlements, a car accident lawyer can deal with the insurance to reach a fair settlement.
If your expenses exceed all reasonable avenues, then a car accident lawyer can help you prepare for trial. At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville car accident attorneys are here to evaluate your case and determine what path is right for you. To get started, contact us online or by phone at (615) 256-6666 to schedule your free, no-risk consultation.