If you’ve been involved in a car accident, one of your immediate concerns will likely be the handling of your medical bills. In Pennsylvania, the financial responsibility for these expenses can fall to various parties, depending on several factors including the specifics of your insurance policy and the details of the accident itself. Understanding your rights under Pennsylvania law and knowing the key steps to take after your first car accident can help reduce some of the financial stress that often follows an accident, whether your injuries are minor or severe.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by medical bills after a car accident in New Castle, reaching out to a Western Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney can provide essential guidance. Additionally, if you’re helping a family member after a car accident, having professional legal support can make the recovery process smoother for everyone involved. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., our team of Western Pennsylvania car accident attorneys can assist in negotiating with insurance companies and gathering evidence to pursue a fair settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today at (724) 658-8535 to schedule a free consultation.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
A sudden car accident can leave you injured and unable to work. You may quickly grow concerned about how to pay your extensive medical bills. Know that different parties might be responsible for your medical expenses, depending on your circumstances.
Your Auto Insurance
As a choice no-fault state, Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry Medical Benefits (MedPay) coverage as part of their car insurance policy, with a minimum coverage limit of $5,000. This coverage pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused the collision. Pennsylvania also allows drivers to choose between limited tort and full tort options. Car insurance offers different plans, and the type of coverage and extent of your injuries determine how to proceed with a claim.
- With limited tort coverage, you can recover medical expenses up to the maximum of your policy limits.
- If you suffer serious and permanent injuries, you may seek additional pain and suffering damages above the maximum of a limited tort policy.
- Full tort insurance allows you to pursue pain and suffering damages, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
Additionally, according to Pennsylvania law, limited tort policies do not prevent you from further recovering against the at-fault driver if that person does not have insurance, is from out of state, or was driving while intoxicated.
Does Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Bills?
When involved in a car accident, one of the immediate concerns is whether health insurance will cover the medical bills that follow. The answer can depend on several factors including the specifics of your health insurance policy and the laws in your state, particularly if you are in Pennsylvania.
Generally, health insurance policies cover medical expenses from a car accident. However, it’s essential to check the specific details of your policy. Some health insurance plans may have stipulations about accident-related injuries or may only cover certain types of treatments. Additionally, if another party is at fault for your injury, your health insurance company may try to recover costs by seeking reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance in a process called subrogation.
In Pennsylvania, the situation can be influenced by the type of auto insurance policy you carry. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, meaning drivers can choose between a no-fault or a traditional insurance policy. If you opt for no-fault insurance, your own insurance may primarily cover your medical bills up to the personal injury protection (PIP) limit before your health insurance kicks in. This can reduce immediate out-of-pocket expenses and streamline the process of getting medical care.
It’s important to promptly report the accident to both your auto and health insurance providers to understand the coverage specifics and to comply with any required procedures or deadlines. Consulting with a legal professional can also help clarify your rights and any further actions you may need to take to claim coverage for your medical expenses following a car accident.
The At-Fault Driver
While payments from your car insurance may cover some bills, severe injuries might cost more than your policy allows. If you have a full tort policy or suffered catastrophic injuries, you can seek to recover that amount against the at-fault driver. Either a full tort policy or catastrophic injury in an auto accident will enable you to request compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in addition to medical expenses.
Since medical bills can add up rapidly after a car accident, it is best to reach out to an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. A representative from Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. can meet with you, review your auto insurance policy, and discuss the best course of action.
There is no fee to our clients unless we are able to recover monetarily for you. You have nothing to lose by calling us at (724) 658-8535 for a free case evaluation.
| Post-Car Accident Medical Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Your Auto Insurance | MedPay covers medical bills up to the policy limit of $5,000, regardless of fault. Limited tort covers medical expenses, while full tort allows for pain and suffering claims. Coverage limits vary by individual policy. |
| Health Insurance | Covers accident-related medical expenses but may seek reimbursement (subrogation) from the at-fault party’s insurer if another party is responsible. Coverage details depend on the specific health policy. |
| At-Fault Driver | If bills exceed policy limits or injuries are severe, you may claim additional compensation from the at-fault driver for lost wages, pain, and punitive damages. |
