Car accidents often produce injuries requiring immediate and extensive medical treatment. These costs are both unexpected and expensive. If you are the injured victim, it makes sense that you want to know who pays medical bills in a car accident.
A Greenville car accident lawyer can help you sort through the possible answers, depending on the circumstances of your claim. Your attorney will also work to ensure you are not left footing the bill for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence and that all involved insurance providers treat you fairly.
Will auto insurance contribute to my medical bills?
Unfortunately, auto insurance companies won’t pay your medical bills as they are incurred like a health insurer. Instead, the auto insurance company will wait until the end of the case and make a lump sum offer that covers your medical bills and pain and suffering.
South Carolina requires all drivers to carry liability and uninsured motorist insurance (UMI). Liability covers others injured in an accident that you caused. Minimum requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
These minimum coverage amounts are the same for UMI, but UMI protects you when an uninsured driver is at fault for the accident causing your injuries. Insurance companies must also offer South Carolina drivers underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). UIM protects you when a has liability coverage, but it isn’t enough to cover your injuries and damages. South Carolina law does not require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage (med pay) as part of their auto insurance policies. If you have it, your PIP/medpay policy should pay medical bills after a car accident. PIP/medpay is a no-fault coverage in addition to your liability claim against the at-fault driver. Again, all these coverages normally don’t pay your medical bills as you incur them.
Remember that insurance companies are businesses. Their priority is making and keeping their money, not making payouts to victims. This can make getting a fair settlement challenging without legal assistance. If someone else causes your accident, your Greenville car accident lawyer from Smith Jordan Law will work to hold the at-fault driver’s insurance accountable for covering your medical costs through a settlement.
Does my health insurance cover my medical care?
If you have private health insurance, this provider will likely cover your costs initially. The amount you have to pay out of pocket depends on the specifics of your policy and deductible. Have your medical team submit the bills to your health insurer first, even though your, or the other driver’s, auto insurance may ultimately be responsible for covering the costs. Medicare and Medicaid may also cover car-accident-related medical costs.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
Car accident injuries require care, and you may worry about who pays for medical bills after a car accident if you do not have any or enough insurance or cannot cover your deductibles. Sometimes, medical providers will have you sign a legal agreement promising you will repay your bills or issue a “medical lien” stating they will recover costs from your personal injury settlement. Alternatively, your lawyer may do the reverse and draft a letter promising your medical provider’s repayment once you receive your settlement.
An experienced car accident attorney in Greenville will know which options are available and best for you—only sign agreements once your attorney reviews them. If your health insurance company will be reimbursed through your settlement, your attorney will fight to help you keep those costs down so you can retain the highest amount possible.
Reach out for a free consultation to learn more
Put yourself in the best position to secure substantial compensation for your car accident injuries and damages. You do not have to worry about paying legal fees before you get the legal representation you need. Smith Jordan works on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us until you receive your settlement.
We look forward to helping you move toward recovery. Call an attentive, experienced Greenville car accident lawyer for a free consultation today. Call (864) 343-2222 or send a message.
Related articles for further reading
- What happens if I have partial fault in a car accident?
- My car insurance lapsed and I had an accident. What are my options?
