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Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of injuries in our region. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that tens of thousands of people are seriously hurt in accidents each year. Following a serious wreck, victims need immediate medical attention and the proper follow-up care.
You may have a lot of questions about how to handle your medical bills after a collision. At Nunes Law, Inc., we want to make sure that you have the knowledge you need. In this article, our Fresno auto accident lawyer provides a guide to handling medical bills after a crash.
Your Health and Safety are the Top Priority (Seek Prompt Medical Care After a Crash)
Before you worry about medical bills, you need to think about medical care. After a car accident in Fresno, it is crucial to prioritize your health. Even if you feel fine initially, symptoms of serious injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, can take hours or even days to appear. Do not wait to get help: See a doctor right away.
Understanding How Medical Bills are Paid After a Crash in Fresno
California operates under a fault-based motor vehicle accident standard. That means that in Fresno, the at-fault party’s insurance company is ultimately responsible for covering accident-related damages, including medical expenses. However, unfortunately, this does not mean they will pay upfront. Immediately after a crash, you are responsible for your own medical bills, which can be paid through your health insurance, MedPay coverage, out-of-pocket, or through a medical lien.
An Overview of Your Four Options for Initial Medical Bills
As noted, you can hold the at-fault party liable for the full extent of your damages, including your medical bills. Of course, the car accident injury claims process can take time. Here is an overview of your four initial options for handling your medical bills:
- MedPay Coverage: In California, MedPay is optional car insurance that covers your medical bills immediately after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. If you have MedPay on your auto policy, it can be used to pay for emergency care, doctor visits, and other treatment.
- Health Insurance Coverage: Your personal health insurance can be used to cover medical treatment following a car accident. Depending on your policy, you may still be responsible for copays, deductibles, and uncovered services. Health insurers often reserve the right to seek reimbursement from any future settlement.
- Medical Lien: Some doctors and healthcare facilities will agree to treat you under a medical lien, which means payment is delayed until your personal injury claim is resolved. In a lien arrangement, the provider agrees to be paid directly from your future settlement.
- Self Pay (Out of Pocket): Finally, in some cases, you may choose to pay for a portion of your initial medical bills out of your own pocket as you await your settlement. If you do not want to do so, a lawyer can often help you connect with a doctor who can provide you with treatment through a medical lien.
Contact Our Fresno, CA Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Nunes Law, Inc., our Fresno auto accident lawyer is a strong, aggressive advocate for justice. If you were hurt in a crash and you have any questions about managing medical bills, we can help. Contact us right away for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With a law office in Fresno, our firm fights for justice for injured car accident victims throughout Central California.
