By Lem Garcia
Most drivers throughout the state of California pay for an insurance policy, though about one in eight motorists is uninsured. The payment you make each month is supposed to cover you in the case of an accident.
Imagine this: you’re recovering from an accident, and just when you think you’ve got enough on your plate, a pile of medical bills lands in your mailbox. Overwhelming, isn’t it? Suddenly, a maze of charges, insurance claims, and questions about who’s supposed to foot the bill confront you.
The insurance company should cover your medical bills and any other ensuing costs. However, they often do not. Medical bills can pile up quickly if you’re injured in a car accident, especially if you’re in a severe one. You will receive bills from seemingly everyone. Bills from the ambulance that brought you to the hospital, the ER, and doctor will all show up in your mailbox. Later on, you will even be smacked with physical therapy bills and follow-up visits. The list is endless. In this article, we’ll talk more about who’s in charge of medical bills following a car accident. Keep reading since all you need to know about a car accident lawyer in Oceanside, CA get it here.
The big-name insurance companies, in which most people use, are not in the business of protecting people like they claim that they are. Instead, they are in the business of making money. They will do anything in their power to pay you the least amount of money possible. You’re probably wondering, “how is that fair?” Well, to put it simply, it isn’t. Life has a funny way of being unfair.
Even though you pay a monthly premium to have coverage, insurance companies are not obligated to pay anything unless a court ruling says that they must. It is actually a quite common tactic for slimy insurance companies to do this.
Every day, someone files a personal injury claim and that insurance claim is denied, forcing them to pay all of their medical bills and expenses. After an accident, the first thing you should always do is make sure everyone is okay and call the police. After the accident is taken care of, before you file a personal injury claim in Oceanside, you should hire an auto accident attorney to give you the help you need.
Medical Bill Statistics
You’ve undoubtedly had to pay medical bills, or know someone who has, within your lifetime. It is no secret how expensive they can become. For some people, medical bills can put them in debt for the rest of their lives.
The following statistics have been taken from The Commonwealth Fund and their extensive research about medical bill debt in the United States:
- 41% of working-age Americans have medical bill debt
- 7 million elderly adults have medical bill debt
- A total of 79 million Americans are currently paying medical bills
While not all of these statistics are from people who were involved in car accidents, it is fair to say a great deal of them are since there are over 6 million recorded accidents every year.
The numbers don’t lie; medical bills after an accident can be staggering. Recent statistics show that accident victims often face thousands of dollars in medical expenses, even with insurance coverage. These costs can escalate quickly, from emergency care at the scene to rehabilitation and follow-up visits. In situations like these, a specialised car accident clinic becomes invaluable. Not only do they provide targeted care for accident-related injuries, but they also understand the intricacies of billing and insurance claims related to accidents. This knowledge can be a lifeline for those trying to navigate the aftermath of an accident without drowning in debt.
No-Fault Insurance
It’s important to think about the positives sometimes as well. California is considered a no-fault state. That means if you’re in an auto accident, no matter who is at fault, each person’s insurance pays for damages. California does require you to pay for PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance, however. The common misconception is that PIP insurance will pay all of your medical bills. In reality, it will only pay up to $10,000 in medical expenses. That may seem like enough to cover you, but if your injuries are bad enough, your medical bills will surpass that $10,000 mark quickly.
There is another hole in the no-fault insurance system that is rarely talked about. “Emergency Medical Condition” is a term used to describe certain kinds of bodily injuries or illnesses. This term is not explicitly defined, so its vagueness has created some uproar. Insurance companies will only have to pay out $2,500 in medical bills if an injury is deemed to not be an emergency medical condition. For example, if your back or neck is hurt in a small car accident you don’t need to be rushed to the hospital or brought directly to the emergency room, and you would merely see a doctor at some point and have them diagnose you. It is not a medical emergency. Overtime, however, if your back begins to flare up and the medical bills begin piling up, you will not be covered past $2,500. The problem comes in when determining if an injury was an emergency medical condition or not.
Personal Injury Claim
Filing a personal injury claim is not as difficult as you may think. It’s as simple as calling your insurance company and telling them you were involved in a car accident. The claim will be processed and that is that. The headaches begin when the claim is filed.
There are countless factors that go into what a claim may be worth. It is nearly impossible to specifically determine without seeing the accident details. Claims can range in worth due to the severity of injuries, property damage, and level of disability. Testimony from witnesses and doctors are also part of your compensation. Insurance companies will try to find proof of everything; that includes attempting to prove that the damages to your car are not as expansive as you say they are and that your injuries are not that severe.
When Will the Bills Be Paid?
If you’ve filed a claim with your insurance company, it could be months before your case is settled. If you decided to hire a personal injury attorney, it may take even longer. From medical treatments to physical therapy, and doctors to insurance companies, the list of variables that go into each accident is outrageous.
It takes such a long time to pay your medical bills because, if the accident is severe enough, your treatment itself could take months. In order for everyone involved to better understand how much compensation you deserve; the situation must play itself out for an extended period of time. Try not to stress; instead, worry about getting yourself healthy.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a personal injury attorney could be in your best interest. There is much more to a car accident and the ensuing medical bills than meets the eye. From one incident, there is a string of events that may alter your life for the worse.
Living in Oceanside, accidents are common due to the 23 million people who call the state home. Every accident is unique and presents its own set of challenges. When you become a client of any California law firm, there are never any fees unless we win your case. Expert attorneys will be able to give you an idea of what your case could be worth, advise you of the process, and start the sign-up process of you becoming a client. Remember to do your research, all you need to know about a car accident lawyer in Oceanside, CA get it here.
Conclusion
Navigating the aftermath of an accident, especially when it comes to medical bills, might initially seem daunting. However, armed with the correct information and strategies, you can face this challenge head-on. Remember, it’s about taking informed steps, seeking assistance when necessary, and staying proactive in managing your finances. With each careful decision, you’re not just navigating a path through paperwork and payments; you’re moving towards recovery and peace of mind. Trust in your resilience—you have what it takes to handle this and emerge stronger.
About the Author
Lem Garcia founded Lem Garcia Law in 2014. It has become one of the fastest-growing and most well-respected personal injury law offices in Southern California, having recovered millions of dollars for clients. He received a journalism degree from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona and loves to share personal injury law with the world via social media platform TikTok at over 20,000 subscribers.
