Injuries sustained from an auto accident can impact your life severely. Not only can the injuries alter your ability to live a normal life, but dealing with the subsequent medical bills can also lead to even more stress. In the state of Maryland, it is your legal responsibility to ensure that your medical expenses are paid. However, where the money comes from is a different matter. Depending on the circumstances, you can receive compensation for your injuries after a collision. If you have recently been involved in an auto accident and are seeking reimbursement for your injuries, reach out to a Baltimore County auto accident attorney at The Law Offices of Markey & Orsi for a consultation.
How can I be compensated for my medical bills after an auto accident?
Perhaps the most important factor when it comes to seeking compensation after an auto accident is determining which party is at fault. If you sustained injuries from the incident due to the negligible actions of the other driver, it is the responsibility of them or their insurance provider to fully compensate you for your medical bills. Although, you will not receive compensation until a settlement is reached. This can be accomplished either through a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company, or through a court decision if a settlement can not be agreed upon. Because it is rare for initial settlement offers from insurance companies to adequately provide full and fair compensation, many claims end up getting settled in court.
If no one was at fault for your injuries, you must pay for your medical expenses either out of pocket or through your own auto insurance provider. While submitting a claim through your insurance company may seem scary due to fears of your premiums increasing, having Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will alleviate much of those fears. PIP coverage is specifically designed to cover your medical bills as well as a significant portion of any lost income due to injuries from an auto accident. However, if PIP coverage is not included in your auto insurance, then your health insurance provider may cover your medical bills. You may have to pay a deductible or co-pay depending on your insurance plan.
What if I do not have insurance?
Unfortunately, if you do not have any car or health insurance, you must pay for your medical bills on your own. The same applies if there was no liable third party involved with your auto accident. In this scenario, hospitals will often provide payment plans that spread out the cost of your medical expenses over a certain stretch of time to help soften the financial burden. If you can not pay off your medical bills, they will go to collections which can make you vulnerable to more legal issues.
