How Medical Bills Are Paid After a Car Accident in Texas
Posted on Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
After a car accident in Beaumont, dealing with injuries is stressful enough. You shouldn’t also have the added worry of wondering how medical bills are paid after a car accident. In Texas, the at-fault driver or their insurance company is responsible for compensating you for these costs. However, because Texas uses a fault-based system in car accident claims, you must prove that the other driver caused your injuries before they or their insurer will cover your medical treatments. Working with a skilled, experienced attorney is the best step you can take to recover compensation for your medical expenses.
How to Pay Your Medical Bills Before Receiving Your Insurance Money
While the other driver and their insurance company might ultimately cover your medical bills, you likely have immediate medical care while your case proceeds. If this is the case, you might have to use your car insurance or health insurance to pay your medical bills in the meantime. In severe cases, you might have to pay for your treatments out of your own pocket.
Try not to worry about the upfront cost of your treatments, and don’t let the potential cost keep you from seeking treatment. Your health comes first, and delaying treatment can negatively impact your claim by making your injuries seem less severe. Many doctors or hospitals will hold off on demanding payment for your treatments if your lawyer lets them know that you have a claim pending. Your insurance company might also cover your bills and wait on collecting payment from you if they know you potentially have a substantial settlement coming. Let your attorney handle these details while you focus on getting better.
Do You Have to Pay Back Insurance if You Get a Settlement?
When you get a settlement after a car accident, you might wonder if you have to pay back your insurance company. The answer is, it depends. If your health or car insurance company paid your medical bills, they might want to be reimbursed from your settlement. This process is called subrogation.
Subrogation allows your insurance company to recover the money they spent on your medical bills from the settlement you receive. This helps them cover their costs and keep insurance rates lower for everyone. However, your insurance company can’t take your entire settlement. They can only claim the amount they paid for your medical treatment.
It’s important to read your insurance policy and understand the subrogation terms. Sometimes, insurance companies might be willing to negotiate and accept a smaller amount. Working with a lawyer can help you navigate this process and see that you keep as much of your settlement as possible.
What if My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement?
If your medical bills are more than your settlement after a car accident, it can be a tough situation. However, you still have options to manage these costs.
First, you can negotiate with your medical providers. Many doctors and hospitals are willing to reduce their bills if you explain your financial situation and show them your settlement amount. They might agree to a lower payment or offer a payment plan that fits your budget.
Another option is to check if your health insurance can cover some of the remaining costs. If you used your health insurance for your treatments, they might cover additional expenses even after the settlement. Just be aware that your insurance company might still seek reimbursement through subrogation.
You could also explore using MedPay or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage if you have it on your auto insurance policy. These components of your policy can help pay for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
Lastly, consulting a lawyer can help you understand all your options and negotiate better terms with medical providers and insurance companies. They can help you address these challenges to see that you get the most out of your settlement.
What Medical Expenses Can a Car Accident Settlement Cover?
With the right evidence and support from a skilled legal team, a car accident settlement can cover any medical expenses you currently have that are related to the crash. You can also pursue compensation for the cost of future treatments you might need if you have long-term injuries or disabilities related to the collision. Some specific expenses that a settlement can cover include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Doctor appointments
- Surgery costs
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.)
- Chiropractic care
- Rehabilitation services
- Medical equipment (crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc.)
- Ambulance fees
- In-home care services
- Follow-up treatments
- Mental health counseling
How a Beaumont, TX, Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
Dealing with medical bills and other expenses after a car accident can be overwhelming. Here are some of the ways that a Beaumont car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need:
- Investigating Your Accident – A lawyer can thoroughly investigate the details of the accident to determine who caused it and gather the evidence needed to support your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies, fighting on your behalf to get you a fair settlement that covers your medical bills and other losses.
- Filing Legal Claims – If necessary, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf to pursue the compensation you need through the civil court system.
- Advising on Medical Treatment – Your attorney can also connect you with trusted medical professionals and advise you on how to document your injuries and treatments properly to support your claim.
- Managing Bills and Payments – Your lawyer can negotiate with medical providers to reduce your bills and manage payment plans so that you keep as much of your settlement as possible.
From start to finish, Portner Bond, PLLC is here to support you, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your rights and options. Call us today at (409) 838-4444 or complete our contact form for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
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