Who Will Pay My Medical Bills
After an Accident?
Living through a car accident may be one of the most frightening and stressful events in your life. It could leave you with injuries that affect your health for years to come. After the accident, you must not only seek treatment for those injuries, but you also have to deal with the stress of figuring out how to pay for your medical bills. In fact, you may have already asked yourself, “What should I do when I get a medical bill?”
At my firm, Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I aim to answer all of your questions. I am dedicated to providing car accident victims with excellent legal representation. I proudly serve clients in Shawnee, Oklahoma, as well as Chandler, Norman, Okemah, and Ada.
Oklahoma Is an At-Fault State
Under Oklahoma law, the driver who was primarily at fault for the accident is financially responsible for its costs. If the other driver was 51% or more at fault for the accident, you can file a claim against their insurance coverage.
After you file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, you can seek to negotiate your financial settlement. When the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, it’s also possible to seek to recover compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Oklahoma Insurance Requirements
All Oklahoma drivers must carry an insurance policy that meets at least the minimum of the state’s requirements. Those requirements are that you will be covered for up to $25,000 of costs per person in the accident, at least $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
However, it is important to know that medical costs can quickly add up. An ambulance ride and emergency room visit might already meet the $25,000 per-person policy. Speak with an experienced car accident attorney to learn more about Oklahoma car insurance requirements.
Will Car Insurance Cover My Medical Bills?
You may be wondering, “Who pays for my medical bills after an accident?” It’s important to know that if the other driver was 51% or more responsible for the accident, and they have car insurance, then their policy should cover up to $25,000 of your medical bills.
However, if they don’t have car insurance, then you need to look at your options. If you previously chose to pay for uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage, then your own car insurance policy may pay your medical bills.
Do I Have to Use My Own Health Insurance?
You may be asking yourself: “Do I use my own insurance to pay medical bills after an accident?” The answer will depend on several factors. If your medical bills are extremely expensive, you may think you’ll need to use your own health insurance to pay for some of your medical costs. If your medical bills exceed the amount that the car insurance policy covers, then it could possibly be a good option to use your own health insurance. However, it can be helpful to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney before you use your own health insurance to cover medical bills related to injuries sustained in a car accident.
Your attorney may be able to negotiate with your healthcare providers so that they will not send you the bills until after your settlement is finalized. That means the other driver’s insurance may be required to pay those bills – not your own health insurance. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to help you sort through the insurance process.
What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
Your health should come first, so even if you don’t have health insurance, still seek the necessary medical treatment for your injuries from a qualified healthcare provider. If you don’t have health insurance, then it is extremely important to seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver. Speak with a knowledgeable car accident attorney to learn more.
Look to Knowledgeable Legal Counsel
Worrying about your medical bills after a car accident is only natural, but it’s important to also take the right steps to protect your case. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can seek financial compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. At my firm, Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I bring over 20 years of legal experience to serve car accident victims. I am proud to represent clients in Shawnee, Oklahoma, as well as Chandler, Norman, Okemah, and Ada. Contact my firm today to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options.