If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas, you may be facing significant medical expenses and wondering how you’ll pay for your treatment. A common question that arises is whether health insurance will cover the costs associated with car accident injuries. In most cases, health insurance covers these types of injuries, but the extent of coverage and your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific policy.
It’s essential to understand how health insurance works in relation to car accident injuries and what steps you can take to ensure your medical bills are paid. Our experienced Dallas car accident attorneys are standing by to explain the role health insurance might play in your case and help you navigate the complexities of your car accident injury claim.
When Will Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Injuries?
It is important to review your health insurance policy carefully. Our attorneys can review your policy, help you understand your coverage, and explain the out-of-pocket expenses you may incur after a car accident. Generally, health insurance policies will cover medical expenses related to motor vehicle injuries, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Doctor visits
- Medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
However, the specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on the terms of your individual policy. For example, some policies may have higher deductibles or copayments for accident-related treatment.
Do I Have To Refund My Health Insurance When My Car Accident Case Settles?
Sometimes, your health insurance provider may have the right to seek reimbursement for the medical expenses they covered if you receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit. This process is known as “subrogation” and may allow your health insurer to recover money paid for your accident-related treatment if you receive a personal injury settlement or judgment in court.
Depending on the circumstances of your car accident and the complexity of your claim, the subrogation process can take weeks, months, and sometimes over a year to resolve. Our skilled car accident attorneys can help you understand how subrogation may impact your case and negotiate with your health insurance provider to reduce the amount you may need to refund.
Will My Outstanding Balances Go to Collections?
If your available insurance coverage and other funds do not cover all of your accident-related medical expenses, you may be left with outstanding balances. If these bills remain unpaid, they can be sent to collections.
To mitigate damage to your credit score and the stress of dealing with collection agencies, it’s important to work with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you manage your medical bills, as well as communicate with healthcare providers and insurance companies on your behalf. Our skilled legal team is standing by to help.
Is the At-Fault Driver Liable for My Medical Expenses?
Texas is considered a fault state. The at-fault driver is responsible for paying the medical expenses of anyone injured in accidents they cause. This means that you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance to seek compensation for your accident-related medical bills.
However, pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance can be complex and time-consuming. To protect their bottom line, insurance companies will try to reduce payouts or deny your claim altogether. Our knowledgeable Dallas car accident attorneys can help you build a strong case, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Can I Use My PIP To Cover Medical Expenses From a Car Accident?
Yes. You normally need to exhaust available personal injury protection (PIP) coverage before turning to health insurance. PIP is an optional no-fault coverage you can add to your car insurance policy in Texas. Insurers must offer it when selling auto insurance. You can opt-out in writing at the time of purchase.
If you have PIP coverage, it can help pay for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, it does not cover vehicle damage. PIP insurance covers you and your passengers.
Can I See My Own Doctor To Treat My Auto Accident Injuries?
Yes, you generally have the right to choose your own doctor when seeking treatment for car accident injuries. However, if you have health insurance, you may need to see doctors and specialists within your insurance network.
Further, though healthcare providers generally have a legal duty to provide necessary medical care to individuals involved in emergencies, such as car accidents, it’s important to note that some may be hesitant to provide further treatment to uninsured patients. If you don’t have sufficient insurance, you can seek care from providers who work on a lien basis, meaning they agree to provide treatment in exchange for a portion of your future settlement or award.
What If I Don't Have Health Insurance To Cover My Injury Expenses?
If you don’t have health insurance and have been injured in a car accident, you may still be able to receive the medical care you need. Again, some health care providers offer treatment on a lien basis. Further, federal law requires healthcare providers to provide emergency services needed to stabilize patients.
Handling this kind of situation on your own can be complicated. Our skilled car accident attorneys can help you find high-quality medical care and ensure that your expenses are properly documented and included in your claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Common Medical Expenses After a Car Accident
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries and medical expenses. Some common medical costs associated with car accidents include:
- Ambulance and emergency services
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs
- Doctor visits and specialist consultations
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Home healthcare services
Keeping track of all your accident-related medical expenses is crucial when pursuing a car accident claim. Your attorney can help you gather and organize your medical records to ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.
Let Shamieh Law Handle Your Car Accident Injury Claim
Navigating the complexities of insurance coverage and car accident claims can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery. That’s where our skilled legal team at Shamieh Law comes in. Our Dallas car accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you understand your rights and options when it comes to covering your medical expenses after an auto accident.
We’ll review available insurance coverage, communicate with insurance providers, and pursue claims against the at-fault parties in your case. Our goal is to get you full and fair compensation and ensure that you have the financial resources you need to cover your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
Call (469) 813-7332 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. While you focus on your recovery, we will navigate the legal claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
