December 18, 2023

How Are Medical Bills Paid after an Accident?

Posted in Personal Injury

You will likely have a lot of expenses after an accident, with medical bills being one of the most concerning. Whether you suffered from a car accident, construction accident, or another incident, one thing remains true. If the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay for your losses. There are ways to cover your medical bills without paying them out of pocket.

Types of Insurance and Paying Medical Bills

You have multiple options to get your medical bills paid after an accident. The specific options available depend on how you were injured, who caused your injuries, and where you were hurt.

If you have health insurance, that would be the fastest option to cover medical expenses. No-fault car insurance will also cover your losses after a car accident in New York.

If someone else was at fault, they might be held responsible for your medical bills. You might have to file a personal injury lawsuit against them to get compensation. However, if your accident occurred on private property, their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may also pay for your losses.

Work-related accidents may fall under workers’ compensation coverage. If your employer did not have workers’ comp insurance, they might have to pay out of pocket for your injuries.

Health Insurance: Primary and Secondary Coverage

When you arrive at the hospital after an accident, they will ask for your health insurance information. You should show them your insurance cards regardless of what caused your injuries.

If someone else is responsible, your health insurance company can ultimately get their money back through “indemnification.” However, you shouldn’t worry about that right away. Just make sure you tell the doctor what caused your injuries, so it’s evident in your medical records.

If you have two insurance companies for health insurance, you should indicate which one is your primary coverage and which is secondary. For example, if you have coverage through your employer and your spouse’s employer, then your insurance would be considered primary. Your spouse’s insurance would be considered your secondary insurance. They can both work together to cover your medical bills.

No-Fault Car Insurance in NY and Medical Bills

Drivers in New York are required to have no-fault car insurance. This insurance will cover medical bills for the driver of the car, any passengers, and even pedestrians who are hit on accident. No-fault car insurance will cover a claim regardless of who is at fault.

You May Have to Pay on an Ongoing Basis

Some medical providers will require you to pay copays or entire bills prior to service. In that case, you may have to pay out of pocket. However, you can typically recover that money from the at-fault party later. You may have to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim against the other party’s insurance policy, but you should be able to get the money back.

Do not delay ongoing treatment because of a complication with who will pay for it. If you do, it could negatively impact your future personal injury claim. The insurance company may think you are not seriously injured.

Who Pays after Accidents on Someone Else’s Property?

If you are injured on someone else’s property and they are responsible, then their renters’ or homeowners’ insurance should pay for the damages. If you were at a business, their insurance company should also take care of your medical bills. You will need to file an insurance claim along with proof of liability of the other party.

Who Pays in Work-Related Accidents?

Work-related accidents can be somewhat different than other injury accidents. You may have to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp will pay for 100% of your medical bills regardless of who is at fault. However, it will only pay a percentage of your lost wages. You may not be able to get any compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

In some cases, you can file a third-party personal injury claim if you were injured on the job. If your employer did not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may also have to file a lawsuit against them to get your losses covered.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Get Your Medical Bills Paid

There are many options for getting medical bills paid after an accident. Depending on how and where you were injured, you may be able to cover your medical costs with your insurance, your employer’s, or a third party’s. If insurance does not immediately offer to pay, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit.
To learn more about your options, contact Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. at 212-490-5700 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.