The last thing you want to worry about after a car accident is how you’ll pay your medical bills. Unfortunately, that is often the first and only thing most victims worry about following a crash. Mounting medical bills can cause enormous stress and anxiety during a time when you are supposed to focus on healing and recovery.
How are medical bills paid after a Wisconsin car accident that wasn’t your fault? Understanding your options can help you prepare for what’s ahead.
How to Pay Medical Bills After a Wisconsin Car Accident
Paying for immediate and necessary medical treatment can cause anxiety and financial strain on car accident victims following a collision. However, some options can help you cover the cost of your care.
- At-Fault Drivers Insurance – In Wisconsin, when a person is injured in a car accident that wasn’t their fault, they can file a compensation claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Technically, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover the victim’s medical expenses and other costs associated with the accident, such as car repairs and lost wages, up to the policy limits.
- Med Pay Coverage – Waiting for a claim to process so you can pay your bills can be exhausting and time-consuming. Wisconsin drivers with optional Med Pay coverage may contact their insurance company for help covering their medical bills. An optional Med Pay policy can help cover medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for causing the crash and may help pick up the tab in situations where the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage caps out at a certain point.
- Private Health Insurance – In some cases, your private health care coverage can help pick up the tab for medical expenses related to a Wisconsin car accident. However, if you recover compensation from an insurance settlement or personal injury lawsuit, your healthcare insurance carrier can seek reimbursement for the money they paid on your behalf. A subrogation clause in your policy means your insurer can recover the costs of your medical treatment from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Personal Injury Lawsuit – A personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurer is another option to recover the money you need to cover your necessary medical expenses and treatment costs. If you recover compensation from a settlement or verdict, healthcare professionals or facilities may recover part of that payout through a medical lien on your settlement to cover the cost of your care.
A Wisconsin Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Understand Your Options
Paying the bills after a car accident creates stress and frustration that can interfere with your recovery. At Atterbury, Kammer & Haag, S.C., our car accident attorneys can take the burden off your shoulders and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Contact our office today and request a free, no-obligation legal consultation to learn more about your options for seeking fair compensation to cover your medical expenses and other losses.