For a large portion of the thousands of drivers who are hurt in auto accidents each year, the security of having insurance can quickly dissipate. Medical treatments are expensive and those for major injuries can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. When the accident is the other driver’s fault, the injured victim will probably have to file a personal injury case to get the other driver’s insurance to pay for their bills. The problem is that the medical bills you accrue need to be paid right now. The McCullum Law Office is an auto accident attorney in Louisville who will take a personal interest in your case.
Most of the time, you will be held responsible for paying your medical bills at the time the treatment is received. This is true even if the other driver is clearly at fault and you have already filed a personal injury claim against them. Kentucky is a no-fault state, meaning that your auto insurance company will pay for some or all of your bills. There is a limit on the maximum amount paid out. Once the limit has been met, you are responsible for the remainder. That means if the limit is $10,000 and your medical bills reach $40,000, you will be responsible for $30,000 of the overall cost!
If you have personal health insurance, it will “kick in” once the maximum for auto insurance has been reached. You will still be responsible for the amount of the deductible. This amount varies from one insurance policy to the next. You will also be responsible for paying co-payments.
It is important to know that any payments your insurance company makes towards your medical bills will probably have to be repaid if you receive a settlement. This process can become very technical and should be left to your auto accident attorney.
Suing for Continued Treatment Costs
If the insurance companies determines that you have reached the maximum benefit that it will pay, it will no longer pay on your medical bills. When that happens, you have the right to sue them for continued costs for treatment as well as any lost wages that have resulted from your injuries. In addition, when someone else caused the accident, you can sue for pain and suffering and any projected future medical expenses that you may have.
Immediately After the Accident
The time immediately following the accident is very important to your personal injury case going forward. Most people carry cell phones today, making it easy to take photos of the accident scene. If you are unable to do so yourself, try to get someone else to do it for you.
Get medical attention, even if you do not feel like you need it. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Make sure every test and diagnosis is recorded and that you have access to your records. Worries over potential medical costs should never prevent you from getting the medical treatment you need. If you have been injured in an auto accident, do not wait to get advice from a qualified auto accident attorney. Call McCullum Law Offices at 812-945-9225.