Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Nashville?
After a car accident, the cost of medical treatment can quickly add up, leaving you with a significant financial burden on top of the physical and emotional trauma of the accident.
Understanding who is responsible for paying your damages is important to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the recovery payout you deserve.
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Does Your Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Injuries?
Your health insurance may cover some or all of your medical expenses related to a car accident. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on your specific plan.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Most health insurance plans will cover at least a portion of your medical bills, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
- You may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
- Your health insurance provider may seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company through a process called subrogation. Additionally, they often seek reimbursement through the plaintiff’s case as well. We help our clients with this type of lien to ensure proper handling of reimbursement claims.
After sustaining car crash injuries, reviewing your health insurance policy carefully and contacting your provider to understand your coverage and any potential limitations is a must-do task.
How Car Insurance Policies Handle Medical Payments
In addition to health insurance, your car insurance policy may also cover medical expenses related to a car accident.
The types of coverage that may apply include:
- Liability coverage: The at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover your medical bills up to the policy limits.
- Medical payment coverage: This optional coverage can help pay for your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: When the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, this coverage can help pay for your medical bills.
Remember that car insurance policies limit the amount they pay in medical expenses, and the insurance carrier may exclude certain treatments. Work with a Nashville car accident attorney to better understand your policy’s specifics and ensure you receive full benefits.
Establishing Fault and Liability After a Car Accident
Determining who was at fault for the accident is necessary when deciding who will pay your medical bills.
In Tennessee, the at-fault driver is generally liable for the resulting damages, including medical expenses. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos can help you establish fault.
The state also follows “modified comparative negligence” rules, which means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, the courts or an insurer may reduce your payout by your percentage of fault. An experienced car accident injury attorney can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and fight comparative negligence arguments throughout the claims process.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the At-Fault Party
You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit when the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover your medical bills or if the person was underinsured.
Through a personal injury claim, you can recover damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Other accident-related costs.
However, you must file your claim within Tennessee’s statute of limitations, generally one year from the date of the accident.
Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you work through the legal claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the full settlement you deserve.
Dealing with Insurance Companies and Medical Bills
You’ll likely need to communicate with insurance companies to discuss your medical bills and other damages after a car accident.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters, as they may try to minimize your claim or get you to accept a low settlement offer.
- Don’t sign any documents or accept a settlement without consulting a car accident lawyer first.
- Keep detailed records of all your medical bills, treatment, and related expenses.
- If your case involves significant medical bills or complex legal issues, it’s best to involve a personal injury law firm in the negotiation process.
Paying Medical Bills During an Ongoing Personal Injury Case
You may wonder how you will pay your medical bills while your personal injury case progresses. In some situations, your healthcare providers may agree to treat you on a “lien basis,” meaning they will wait to be paid until your case is resolved.
Your health insurance may also cover your treatment, expecting you to reimburse it from your settlement or judgment.
Your injury attorney can help you tackle the complexities of medical liens and ensure your bills are prioritized and paid during your recovery.
Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident Injury
To safeguard your rights and improve your chances of recovering full compensation for your medical bills and other damages, take these steps after a car accident:
- Seek prompt medical attention and follow your treatment plan.
- Gather evidence, including photos of the accident and your injuries, medical records, and bills.
- Be cautious when communicating with insurance companies, and consult legal counsel before accepting a settlement offer.
- Contact an experienced auto accident attorney to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Your Road to Recovery Starts with a Free Consultation
Facing medical bills and legal system challenges after a car crash is sometimes overwhelming. At The Higgins Firm, we know what you’re going through and are here to help.
Our experienced auto accident lawyers fight for the rights of injured clients and help them recover the recovery award they deserve.
We offer free consultations and case evaluations so you can discuss your situation with a knowledgeable professional and learn more about your options.
Don’t let the cost of medical bills after a car accident derail your life. Contact The Higgins Firm today to take the first step toward protecting your rights.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
