The at-fault driver’s insurance policy typically pays your medical bills after a car accident. If you recently suffered injuries in a car accident and have had extensive medical treatment, keep that information in mind as you wonder how you will pay those bills that have piled up on your desk.
Car accidents can devastate your health and your bank account. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.5 million drivers and passengers needed treatment in emergency departments in 2015. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found that a three-day hospital stay can cost car accident victims an average of $30,000.
You might have to front payment for your medical bills, but in general, if you suffered any injuries in a car accident that was not your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance will reimburse you.
However, there are some caveats. Generally, you will only receive payments once you have recovered from your injuries, and do not assume that you will automatically receive a settlement.
You will most likely have to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to get what is due to you. If you cannot reach an agreement, you might find that your only choice is to find justice in the courts by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
A car accident lawyer can help you with these issues, whether negotiating with insurance adjusters or initiating legal action against the at-fault party.
Insurance Settlements for Car Accident Injuries
If you were in an accident with a careless or reckless driver and incurred property damage as well as bodily injury, the at-fault party’s insurance company might approach you to negotiate a settlement. However, you might find it worthwhile not to agree to any settlement amounts verbally or by signing any documents before you have discussed the settlement with a car accident lawyer.
First, insurance companies typically favor a quick settlement and tend to make lowball offers. This tendency could leave you at risk of running out of money if you need future treatment due to any injuries suffered in the accident. Second, once you have agreed on a settlement, this agreement typically bars you from initiating a lawsuit later. This is usually a condition of an out-of-court settlement and may not be in your best interests.
A car accident lawyer can help you weigh your legal options and determine your next steps. A legal professional can also help you negotiate with insurance adjusters. You will always make the decision to accept a settlement, but should negotiations prove unsuccessful and a fair settlement unachievable, an attorney can take the case further for you and file legal action.
Personal Injury Car Accident Cases
In some instances, you may be unable to recover for all your damages out of court and decide that filing a personal injury case is your best option. In a personal injury case, you could potentially receive several different types of economic and non-economic compensation.
Economic compensation always relates to actual costs suffered by the car accident victim, which can be medical expenses, physical therapy, lost income, transportation costs, and other compensation. Non-economic compensation can be more challenging to quantify, as these types of damages are typically intangible and do not carry a fixed dollar figure.
It can be a good idea to have a car accident lawyer by your side to help you with calculating damages, especially when it comes to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, and disfigurement. Non-economic damages can be considerable, especially if you have suffered severe, debilitating, or disabling injuries.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
Contact Us for Help
Having suffered injuries in a car accident that was someone else’s fault can prove frustrating, especially since you most likely will have to cover your healthcare bills until you receive a settlement. Even if you have health insurance, you may still have to pay for any deductibles and out-of-pocket costs upfront.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm understands that mounting medical bills can cause worry and stress. If you are not sure how your medical bills will get paid after a car accident, we can help. We can analyze your car accident case and explain which legal options may be open to you. We can negotiate with insurance adjusters to see if we can reach a fair settlement. If your case ends up in court, we can represent you and fight for your rights and compensation.
If you work with us, there is no need to worry about any upfront attorney’s fees or costs, as we only get paid if we win your case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 and find out from a team member how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
