How To Navigate Medical Bills After an Accident
Prioritize Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most crucial step after an auto accident is seeking prompt medical treatment. Even if injuries appear minor or absent, immediate attention is essential, as some conditions may not
manifest immediately. Timely medical care not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a documented link between the accident and your injuries, a crucial factor in insurance claims.
Dealing with Other Driver’s Insurance
Although the other driver’s insurance carrier is responsible for your medical bills, they will not pay until the final settlement of your total injury claim. This could take time, and in the interim, your health insurance plays a crucial role.
Thoroughly Document All Medical Details
Keeping a detailed record of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and related expenses is essential. This includes obtaining an out-of-work note from your doctor if your injuries prevent you from working. Understanding your insurance coverage is equally vital. Your health insurance serves as the primary coverage for medical bills in North Carolina, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Make sure medical providers are aware of and use your health insurance to avoid unnecessary financial strain and delay in resolving your injury claim.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
It is crucial for drivers to be aware of additional insurance coverage options that can significantly aid in managing medical expenses following a car accident. Review your insurance policies to understand the scope of your coverage; your health insurance, auto insurance, and any other relevant policies. Having a clear understanding of what is covered empowers you to make informed decisions regarding your medical care and expenses.
Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, it will be primary in North Carolina for any medical bills that you receive, even if the other driver was at fault. Health Insurance is primary in most states that do not require health insurance on automobile policies to cover medical bills for injuries received in motor vehicle accidents, irrespective of fault.
Medical Coverage on Your Auto Insurance Policy
In addition to your health, check your auto insurance policy to see if you have any optional “Medical Payments Coverage” (MedPay) or “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP). This coverage is optional and is sometimes included in your auto policy. You may not even know that you have it. This coverage will pay your medical bills up to the amount of coverage, even if the bills were already paid by your health insurer or the other driver’s insurance carrier. Its key advantage is that it provides financial assistance regardless of fault. This coverage is usually in the amount of $1,000 or $2,000. But it is not uncommon to see coverage of $500, $5,000, $10,000, or higher.
North Carolina Also Allows Stacking of Medical Payments Coverage
This means that if you own multiple cars on separate policies or if you live with a family member who owns a car, you can add (stack) their coverage on top of your coverage to increase your reimbursement for medical bills. Example: If your medical bills are $3,000 and your auto policy has $2,000 in medical payments coverage, your insurance carrier will write you or your medical provider a check for $2,000 to reimburse you for your medical bill. If you have a family member in your household who also owns a car with $2,000 in medical payments coverage, their insurance will contribute $1,000 from their policy.
MedPay is designed to cover medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This can be particularly beneficial in a bustling city like Charlotte, where the risk of traffic accidents may be higher.
Maintain Communication with Medical Providers
Initiate communication with your healthcare providers, informing them about accident-related treatment. Discuss your situation and explore options such as deferred billing or establishing reasonable payment plans. Many healthcare providers are willing to collaborate with patients facing unexpected financial challenges. This may even apply if you have health insurance since you may have a deductible and co-pays.
Call Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers Today
If you’re in an accident and it’s not your fault, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. They can look at your situation and tell you what they think about your case. These lawyers can guide you on what to do next and help you ask for money to cover your medical bills and any other harm caused by the accident. Their team is usually well-trained in dealing with the insurance carriers and the medical providers. They may even help you receive treatment without upfront out-of-pocket costs and negotiate your medical bills to help put more money in your pocket when your bodily injury claim is resolved. The best part is that most of these lawyers won’t ask for payment unless they win your case or get you some money back, so you don’t have to worry about paying them right away.
Handling medical bills after an accident in Charlotte, NC, may pose challenges, but by adopting a proactive and informed approach, you can regain control of the situation. Timely medical attention, meticulous documentation, understanding insurance coverage, and seeking legal counsel are pivotal steps in ensuring fair compensation for the ordeal.
If you need an experienced North Carolina accident and injury law firm, do not hesitate to call Auger & Auger for a free consultation on how they can help you with your Charlotte personal injury case.
