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 no-fault state, Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) as part of their car insurance policy. This coverage pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused the collision. Car insurance offers different plans, and the type of coverage and extent of your injuries determines 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.
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 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) 576-8855 for a free case evaluation.