The prospect of paying medical bills after a car accident can be extremely worrying, especially if your income is depleted as a result of injuries sustained in the accident that prevent you from working. Further adding to the confusion and stress is the question of whether you should use your health insurance coverage to pay for the treatment you receive for injuries sustained in the accident or wait until the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays out your claim.
Use Your Health Insurance First
When you receive medical treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident, the staff at the facility will ask you for insurance information. At this point, you should inform them that your injuries were the result of an automobile accident and you intend to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance. They can then work with you to obtain the information they need to charge the responsible parties.
However, you should file a claim with your health insurance provider initially to receive payment for your treatment. The reason is that it can take a long time for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pay out for damages, and you do not want to be on the hook for your medical bills in the interim. If you are entitled to damages for medical expenses from the other driver’s insurance company, your health insurer will take the necessary steps to receive compensation for the payments that they made on your behalf.
Be Prepared for Extra Expenses
If you file a claim with your health insurer for treatment you received for injuries sustained in a car accident, be aware that any expenses you would normally have to pay will still apply. For example, if a co-pay normally applies, you will still be expected to pay it when receiving treatment for your injury. If there are limits to your policy that don’t cover certain charges under normal circumstances, they will not be covered in this instance. Additionally, you will also be responsible for paying any applicable deductible amount. However, as part of your settlement agreement with the other driver’s insurance company, you may be able to negotiate reimbursement for these charges related to your treatment but not covered by your health policy.
The aftermath of a car accident can be a difficult time as you attempt to deal with many legal matters while attempting to recover from your injuries. During this process, it can be very helpful to have the counsel of an experienced and dedicated car accident attorney willing to stand up for your best interest. Contact a law office today for more information.