How Medical Bills Are Paid After a Car Accident in Indiana

If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of Indians who’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident this year, you may be facing towering medical bills that make it difficult to move forward. Understanding who pays medical bills after a car accident in Indiana can alleviate some of the stress you may experience.

Who Pays Medical Bills in a Car Accident?

Following a car accident in Indiana, the responsibility for paying medical bills generally falls on the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Indiana is an “at-fault” or “tort” state. This means that the driver whose actions or inactions caused the accident is generally responsible for the resulting damages, including medical expenses incurred by the victims. As a result, the following options are available for covering medical bills after a car accident:

1. Liability Insurance – The at-fault driver’s liability insurance typically covers medical bills for injured parties. This coverage provides compensation to victims for their medical expenses and any lost wages if they missed work as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. They may also recover additional compensation for other damages resulting from the accident.
2. MedPay Coverage – Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) is an elective auto insurance feature designed to cover medical costs for both you and your passengers, irrespective of fault. It can provide valuable assistance in covering immediate medical expenses after an accident.

If another driver caused the accident that injured you, you can pursue a claim against the responsible driver to receive coverage for medical expenses.

Do I Have to Pay Medical Bills Out of My Settlement?

Yes, you will pay medical bills out of your settlement. However, your settlement amount will take your medical bills into consideration, so you will not be paying those bills out of pocket, so to speak. You (or your lawyer on your behalf) will use the portion of your settlement allotted for medical bills to make payments to your medical providers.

What If My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement?

If your medical bills exceed the settlement amount or you require ongoing medical treatment, additional options may be available to address the outstanding expenses:

1. Health Insurance Coverage – You may find financial relief by using your personal health insurance to cover medical costs that surpass the settlement amount.
2. Negotiation with Providers – You can also manage high medical bills after a car accident by working with medical providers to negotiate payment plans or reduced fees for services.

Do You Have to Pay Back Insurance If You Get a Settlement?

If your insurance provider covers your medical costs after a car accident and you later obtain a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance, you might need to repay your health insurer for the expenses they covered on your behalf. This process is known as subrogation, where the insurer seeks reimbursement from the settlement to recover their expenses.

The subrogation process typically begins with a notification from your health insurance provider informing you of their intent to seek reimbursement. This step makes you aware of the upcoming actions and helps you better understand the process.

If you receive such a notification, it’s critical to negotiate fair reimbursement with your insurance provider. The negotiation phase helps you reach a beneficial resolution for both you and your insurer. Your best chance of agreeing on a fair and equitable reimbursement amount is by consulting an experienced car accident attorney.

How to Pay Your Medical Bills Before Receiving Your Insurance Money

It can be challenging to manage medical bills while waiting to receive an insurance settlement. Several strategies can help alleviate the financial burden:

1. Utilize Health Insurance – You can use your health insurance to cover medical expenses initially. Afterward, your insurer may seek reimbursement through subrogation.
2. Medical Payment Coverage – You can consider using MedPay coverage in addition to traditional insurance to cover immediate medical costs after your accident.
3. Payment Plans – You can also try working with medical providers to arrange payment plans or negotiate reduced rates for services to manage medical bills effectively.

Contact Our Indiana Personal Injury Attorney Today

Dealing with injuries after a car accident can be stressful. However, with the right legal team in your corner, you will be in a better position to recover the compensation you need for the harm you have suffered.

If you are injured in an accident in Indiana and require legal guidance or assistance handling medical bills, contact Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers at (219) 286-7361. We can meet with you for a consultation to discuss your legal options for protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.