Car accidents are traumatic events that can cause significant physical injuries and financial instability. One of the most crucial questions car accident victims ask is how they will get their medical bills paid for following a Missouri car accident.
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the cause of the accident, the type of car, and the health insurance you carry. As an accident victim, you may have several avenues available to you to get your medical bills covered and pursue the compensation you deserve for your other financial losses.
Understanding Missouri Car Insurance Laws
Missouri follows a traditional at-fault car insurance system. Under an at-fault system, when a car accident occurs, an accident victim files a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance company of the driver responsible for causing the collision should pay for your accident-related losses. The insurer will review the claim. It may offer you a settlement covering specific financial losses, which includes your medical bills up to the responsible driver’s insurance policy limits.
One thing to remember when filing an insurance claim is that other driver’s insurance policy limits may not be sufficient to cover all of your medical expenses, especially in cases of severe or catastrophic injuries.
Using Medical Payments Coverage
Missouri law requires motorists to carry liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Although not required by law, many car insurance policies also include medical payment coverage. Medical payments insurance covers accident-related medical expenses following a crash up to your policy limits. You must file a claim with your car insurance company for your bills to be paid by my medical insurance coverage.
Using Your Private Health Insurance
Accident victims can also cover their medical expenses through their private health insurance provider. Government health plans such as Medicare and Medicaid may also pay for your accident-related medical expenses. However, if you receive compensation from a settlement or personal injury lawsuit, in limited circumstances your health insurance provider may have a right to reimbursement for paying your medical bills. Whether such a right is legally valid, however, will require careful analysis by an experienced injury attorney.
Paying for Medical Expenses Through a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In some cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party or their insurance company is the best route for recovering maximum compensation. A verdict or settlement can help you pay for medical expenses and other financial losses. Understand that if you received treatment and your healthcare providers have not yet been paid, that can put a lien on any recovery you receive, which ultimately can affect the sum you collect.
Contact a Missouri Car Accident Attorney for Help
At Ryan R. Cox & Associates, our legal team wants to help you understand all your options following a Missouri car accident. Our experienced car accident lawyers can review your situation and help you find the best path forward to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call our office today at (636) 946-6886 to arrange a confidential meeting with a car accident attorney.