What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
It is essential that you seek medical care as soon as possible after a wreck, both for your health and your case. If you do not have health insurance, you will have difficulty obtaining care. I can help you obtain care through a third-party funding company, a lien, or other sources.
If a crash can happen when you least expect it, forcing you to drop your plans to tend to your injuries. Even if you sustain minor injuries, medical bills following a crash can add up quickly. Common medical expenses in a car accident include ambulatory services, emergency room care, medical imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, surgeries, and rehabilitative therapies. If you suffer permanent disability, you may seek reimbursement for the cost of installing grab bars, a chair lift, and other modifications to make your home accessible.
Navigating the insurance claims process can be difficult, especially if you do not carry health insurance. Knowing your options for recovery is essential to getting the medical care you need following any type of trauma. If you have been injured in a car accident in the Volunteer State but do not currently have health insurance, our Nashville car accident lawyers would like to discuss your options.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always be a priority, especially after an accident. Even if you don’t have health insurance, be sure to get medical attention to determine the extent of your injuries. Emergency room physicians are required to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay. Your well-being always comes first; the finances can be dealt with at a later time. Receiving medical care as soon as possible can reduce the likelihood of experiencing long-term symptoms.
File a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If the other driver is responsible for the collision, you can file a claim with their auto insurance. Tennessee is an at-fault state when it comes to auto insurance claims, meaning that you can file a third-party claim with the liable driver’s insurance to have your personal injury expenses and vehicle damage covered. The at-fault driver will also be responsible for paying for your passenger’s injuries. Be aware that a final settlement may not be reached until several weeks or months after an accident. In the interim, you may need to consider alternative options to get your medical bills paid.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you are hit by a driver who flees the scene (known as a “hit and run”) or a driver who does not have sufficient insurance coverage, you may consider filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim. Tennessee Code §56-7-1201 requires that all drivers in Tennessee carry UM coverage. UM insurance will cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Typically, UM coverage will be the same as the insured’s liability limits, with minimum coverage being $25,000 per injury per accident, $50,000 for total injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
MedPay Coverage
Since Tennessee is an at-fault state, it does not offer motorists personal injury protection (PIP). However, you do have the option to purchase Medical Payments Coverage, more commonly referred to as MedPay. This optional insurance provides benefits regardless of fault, paying all reasonable and necessary medical expenses for you and your passengers. Purchasing MedPay is generally inexpensive, with minimal premiums offering up to $10,000 in coverage. The amount of coverage will depend on your policy limit, but some people elect to carry coverage of up to $10,000.
Nashville Car Accident Attorneys Offering a Helping Hand
In the aftermath of a crash, determining how your medical bills will be paid and how to make up for lost wages can be perplexing. Understandably, you may feel physically beaten down and likely do not have the energy to make major financial decisions. Simply getting through the day may be difficult enough, but who has time to speak with insurance companies and comb through bills and financial statements?
At Raybin & Weissman, we understand that you may not have the wherewithal to make such judgment calls following an accident. That is why our Nashville car accident lawyers are more than happy to file the necessary claims and advocate for just compensation on your behalf. We firmly believe that you should focus on physical healing; let us handle the rest. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, we can be reached online or by calling (615) 256-6666.