Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Austin?

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring immediate medical attention. In many cases, individuals involved in these accidents may find themselves in need of extensive medical treatment or rehabilitation to recover fully. However, the question of who bears the financial burden of these medical expenses often arises, especially when another motorist is at fault for causing the injuries.

In such situations, the responsibility for covering the injured party’s medical bills typically falls on the insurance company representing the driver who caused the accident. This is where liability insurance comes into play. Each driver is required to carry liability insurance to cover damages they may cause to others in the event of an accident. When an accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is expected to cover the medical expenses of the injured party, along with other damages such as property damage and lost wages.

However, the process of obtaining compensation for medical bills following an accident may not always be straightforward. In some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may dispute liability or attempt to minimize the extent of the injuries to reduce their payout. This can lead to delays or challenges in obtaining the necessary compensation for medical treatment and other accident-related expenses.

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it’s essential for injured individuals to prioritize their health and well-being above all else. Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial, regardless of concerns about medical bills or insurance coverage. Delaying treatment due to financial worries can not only exacerbate injuries but also complicate the process of obtaining compensation later on. By seeking medical care promptly, individuals can ensure they receive the necessary treatment and documentation of their injuries, laying the foundation for a successful insurance claim or legal action if needed.

While awaiting resolution of the insurance claim, individuals may need to rely on their own health insurance to cover initial medical expenses. Health insurance can provide coverage for medical treatments, diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation services, helping to alleviate the immediate financial burden of medical bills. Additionally, some health insurance policies may include coverage for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, which can supplement any compensation obtained through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.

It’s important to note that individuals should never assume responsibility for medical expenses incurred as a result of injuries caused by another motorist. Even if initially required to use their own health insurance for treatment, injured parties have the right to seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company for these expenses. This may involve submitting medical bills and records, along with documentation of other accident-related costs, as part of the insurance claim process.

In conclusion, when another motorist causes injuries in a motor vehicle accident, the responsibility for covering medical expenses typically falls on the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, obtaining compensation for these expenses may involve navigating insurance claims processes and potential disputes over liability. Despite these challenges, injured individuals should prioritize seeking medical attention promptly to ensure proper treatment and documentation of injuries. By understanding their rights and seeking the necessary medical care, individuals can take the necessary steps to obtain the compensation they rightfully deserve for their injuries and related expenses.

If you suffered severe injuries caused by another driver in Austin, you should seek the guidance of a skilled attorney to seek all the car accident compensation you deserve. Do not accept a settlement offer from another driver’s insurer without consulting a lawyer first. 

Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., has a record of successfully settling motor vehicle accidents to the benefit of our clients. We can review your accident and help you understand all of your legal options for pursuing compensation to pay your medical bills and expenses related to a car accident injury. Call us at (844) 426-6000 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.

Can You Receive Medical Treatment Immediately After a Car Accident in Austin?

In many cases, car accident victims are transported from the accident scene to hospitals and trauma centers for emergency treatment. Other accident victims who have less severe injuries may visit their primary care physician on their own. 

You will want the at-fault driver’s insurance to pay for your medical expenses. But resolving the claim can take time and may require legal action. While your claim is pending, if you have health insurance, you may want to use your own health insurance to pay for your ongoing medical treatment. Your health insurance company may seek to recover some of its costs from the individual who caused your injuries. In some cases, hospitals or other medical care providers may agree to delay payment collection for services after our law office notifies them that our attorneys are pursuing a claim on your behalf. 

Do not avoid seeking medical attention after an accident because you fear the medical bills. Many serious injuries do not involve immediate symptoms, and the sooner you are checked out by your doctor, the better your chances of a complete recovery. We urge clients to obtain all the medical care necessary. Then we will seek to recover compensation from the at-fault motorist’s insurance company when we know the full amount of your losses and injury-related expenses.

Texas is an “At-Fault” State. Who Pays Medical Bills After an Austin Car Accident?

In Texas, the driver who is determined to be at fault for a collision is responsible for covering all the resulting bills. However, before the at-fault driver’s insurance company reimburses an accident victim for any of their bills, the victim will have to prove that the other motorist caused the crash.

It will likely take a number of months to recover compensation in a car accident settlement. Some negligent drivers and their insurance companies may aggressively deny responsibility for an accident, requiring you to file a lawsuit to press your case.

One option to get your initial medical bills paid is to file a claim against your own personal injury protection PIP policy you have. PIP will cover your medical expenses up to the limits of the policy while the claim against the at-fault driver is pending. Insurers in Texas are required to offer PIP as part of auto insurance coverage. You may have it unless you especially declined it. If you have concerns about your ability to pay your medical bills after a car accident, you should strongly consider PIP coverage.

Even without PIP coverage, your health insurance will pay for many of your medical bills after a car accident. However, with a serious accident, your medical bills may exceed the limits of your health insurance and other insurance policies. You will want to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance to recover compensation for your losses.

Getting compensation from a negligent driver is a complicated process, usually involving negotiation with the driver’s insurance company. If you have injuries from a car accident, you should let an experienced lawyer dealing with the insurer.

Often, the other insurance company makes an effort to contact you soon after your crash. However, it’s best to limit what you say. Do not provide a recorded statement to a claims adjuster without legal representation.

Your attorney can usually submit a demand letter that seeks payment for all of your medical bills as well as other damages. The insurance company may make a low settlement offer. Your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a fairer settlement.

If the insurer refuses to agree to settle, you may have to take the other driver to court. Our injury attorneys at Herrman & Herrman will discuss with you whether a lawsuit is appropriate in your case. If you can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the other driver was at fault, you could be awarded compensation for all of your medical bills and more.

An attorney will be extremely beneficial to you in these circumstances.

Medical Bills that May Arise as a Result of a Car Accident

The types of medical expenses that you may face as a result of a car accident include:

1. Emergency room bills
2. Hospital bills
3. Surgery costs
4. Lab fees
5. Physical therapy, rehabilitation expenses
6. Prescription medications
7. Pain management
8. Prosthetics
9. Future medical costs related to a permanent disability

It’s also not uncommon to receive separate invoices from physicians or physician groups in addition to a hospital bill. Doctor fees could include review of diagnostic tests and any surgical or medical care provided. You could also be billed for tests and procedures, including blood tests, cardiology, radiology tests, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Physical or occupational therapy or rehabilitation results in more fees, as do drugs and medications your doctor may prescribe to treat your injuries. It is important that you follow the doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

Our attorneys at Herrman & Herrman can gather your medical bills, consult with your doctor and estimate the present and future cost of medical care. We will submit a demand letter to the appropriate insurers seeking full reimbursement for your expenses.

Can an Austin Car Accident Attorney Help Me Recover Compensation for Pain and Suffering?

Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., can work to make sure you can obtain all of the medical treatment that you need while we are pursuing compensation on your behalf from a negligent driver.

Our firm will conduct an independent investigation to determine all the contributing factors in your crash. In complex, multi-vehicle collisions, we use accident reconstruction specialists to help understand what happened.

We will preserve all relevant evidence and identify all liable parties. Some crashes may stem from a vehicle’s mechanical issues. In this case, maintenance companies or parts manufacturers may be responsible.

If your injuries keep you out of work, Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., can help you recover all lost wages from the negligent driver. Additionally, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, may be sought.

An insurance company for the negligent driver could present you with a financial offer to resolve your case without going to court. However, be aware that most initial car accident settlement offers from insurers are low. Individuals who accept these initial settlement offers all too often learn that the amount that they were offered does not cover future bills and other expenses. When this happens, the victim must pay for all those costs out of pocket.

You do not have to accept a lowball offer from an insurance company. Working with a seasoned personal injury attorney at Herrman & Herrman will give you the best chance of securing the maximum car accident settlement possible.

Did you sustain catastrophic injuries, or was your loved one killed in a car accident in Texas? Do not wait to contact Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. for help. We have offices in Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi South Side, Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, Houston, and Ft. Worth, and our staff speaks English and Spanish.

Our firm will fight to make sure that you receive every single dollar you need for all your past, present, and future medical care related to the accident. Call (844) 426-6000 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.