It is common for victims of car accidents to need extensive medical care after a crash. This might look like ambulance transport, ER visit, x-rays, physical therapy, pain injections, or even surgery.
But who pays all the medical bills? Read below to learn more.
by Meaghan T. Baca, Esq.
Main Points & Key Takeaways
- Use your own health insurance, if you’ve got it. They will sort they details later, you need care now.
- Treat within your health insurance provider network to avoid excess costs and other potential issues.
- You can pay for your own medical bills out-of-pocket.
- If you do not have health insurance, you can ask the at-fault insurance to pay for your medical bills directly, but this is a risky choice and you should seriously consider speaking with an experienced and local injury attorney before making this decision.
If You've Got It, Use It.
If the victim has health insurance, he or she should use it. By going through your health insurance network, you will have access to the ER, your primary care physician, and other medical providers within your network. Knowing what medical treatment you will need months after a car crash is not always clear. As such, treating within your network ensures that you have access to a wide array of medical providers if your injuries require extensive medical treatment. Further, you will not be paying the full retail value for your medical bills. Your only upfront cost will likely be co-pays.
What If Someone Doesn't Have Health Insurance?
What if you don’t have health insurance? Many people do not have access to medical care through health insurance, and if this is you, there are two options to consider. First, you can pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket. Obviously, this is not practical to the vast majority of people due to the steep prices of medical treatment. Second, you can ask that the at-fault insurance pay for your medical bills directly so that you can get the treatment you need without upfront costs. However, this second choice is risky.
Not all insurance companies have your best interests in mind.
With this in consideration, you may feel constrained or limited to the care you can receive because it will all depend on what the auto insurance is willing to pay. Thus, this second option is not ideal for most people especially if you are not represented by a personal injury lawyer.
If you are unable to pay your medical bills after a car or trucking accident, call us immediately to help you find an affordable way to get care.
Speak with an Experienced Severe Injury Lawyer in Albuquerque Right Away.
If you have been severely injured in an auto accident, car crash, or truck collision in Sandoval County, contact our Albuquerque Injury attorneys for a free case evaluation today.