If you’ve been hurt in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you’re probably wondering who is responsible for your medical bills—especially if you have valid health insurance coverage. The answer to this question depends on several different factors, but you shouldn’t let cost concerns keep you from accessing necessary medical care. Your attorney can make sure the appropriate party assumes responsibility for the expenses resulting from your car accident injury.
How Medical Bills Are Processed After a Car Accident
Typically, your health insurance pays for medical care resulting from an accidental injury subject to the deductibles and copays listed in the policy. The auto insurance policy of the at-fault driver should be charged first, and your health insurance should step in to cover the remaining balance.
In situations where emergency care is required, such as an ambulance ride to the hospital, you might receive a bill from the facility saying you are responsible for the entire cost of service. If this happens, do not panic. There should be a space to provide your health insurance information, so the bill can be sent to the correct address.
Many health insurance companies will send out a request for additional information when they receive bills for treatment that appears to be related to an accident. This is so they can determine if another party might be responsible for your medical care. If you receive a form from your insurer asking for this information, your personal injury attorney can ensure it is completed correctly.
Subrogation and Your Car Accident Claim
Subrogation is a legal process that allows insurance companies to recover payment when it is determined that a charge is the responsibility of another person or entity. If your health insurance initially pays bills that are later determined to be the responsibility of the at-fault driver, they will seek reimbursement from the personal injury settlement you eventually receive. The law does not allow you to have your health insurance company pay your medical bills then pocket the funds from the at-fault driver’s insurance company that are intended to cover the same expense.
Understanding subrogation rights can be difficult, which is why it’s in your best interest to work with a skilled personal injury attorney to handle your claim. Your attorney can communicate with your health insurance company, your doctors, and the at-fault driver’s insurance company to make sure all involved parties are appropriately compensated.
Have You Been Injured in a Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a Louisiana car accident, you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation. Please contact us online, or call our Alexandria office to schedule your free consultation.