Medical bills after a car accident are typically paid through a combination of auto insurance coverage and personal health insurance. However, the exact source of payment can vary based on the specifics of the accident and the insurance coverage involved.
In addition, state laws play a major role in determining who pays. For example, Missouri is an at-fault state, which means the driver who causes the accident is legally responsible for covering the damages. That includes medical expenses.
It’s always wise to consult with an attorney whenever you are injured in a car accident. Our Kansas City car accident lawyers have helped us recover over $1 billion for injured accident victims. Call today to schedule a free consultation and tell us what happened.
Paying Through the At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
In an at-fault insurance system, the driver responsible for causing the accident must cover the resulting injuries and damages through their auto liability insurance. This includes medical bills, property damage, and other related costs.
In contrast, in no-fault insurance states, each driver’s insurance pays for their medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. This system simplifies claims but can limit recovery for injuries caused by another party.
Insurance companies often don’t pay out until you’ve completed treatment and reached a settlement. This means you may need to cover the bills upfront through other means while waiting for compensation. An attorney can help you understand how to manage the delays.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If you have MedPay coverage on your auto insurance, it can immediately help pay your medical bills after an accident, regardless of who caused it. MedPay typically covers emergency room visits, ambulance services, hospital stays, and copays.
Because it pays out quickly, MedPay can bridge the gap while you wait for a liability settlement. You choose the limit when you buy the policy, often ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Once the limit is reached, other insurance or payment methods must cover the remaining costs.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Using Your Health Insurance
If your auto insurance coverage runs out or you don’t have MedPay, your health insurance will usually step in to cover your accident-related medical expenses, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, and follow-up care.
You’ll likely need to pay copays, deductibles, or coinsurance out-of-pocket. If you later receive a settlement from the at-fault driver, your health insurer might demand repayment through subrogation.
Although health insurance offers broad coverage, it may not pay for certain accident-related costs unless you file a claim correctly.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If the driver who caused the accident has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries, you can rely on your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
In Missouri, all drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury.
This coverage protects you in hit-and-run accidents or incidents involving uninsured drivers. If the at-fault driver has low coverage limits, underinsured motorist coverage helps cover the gap. While you must still prove the other driver’s fault, having UM/UIM means you’re not left covering the costs due to someone else’s lack of insurance.
Out-of-Pocket Payments or Medical Liens
If no insurance covers your medical bills, you may have to pay them out of pocket. In Missouri, some medical providers may treat you under a medical lien, which delays your payments until you receive a settlement. You agree in writing to pay them from your personal injury award.
This arrangement lets you receive necessary treatment without immediate payment, but it creates a legal obligation to pay the provider later. Without MedPay, health insurance, or a settlement, you could be held responsible for the full bill.
Understanding lien agreements is important so that you aren’t surprised by large paybacks. If you are unsure, speak with an attorney.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
How your medical bills are paid after a car accident can differ if the accident occurred while you were driving for work. Workers’ Compensation could cover your medical expenses. Unlike auto insurance, Workers’ Compensation doesn’t require you to prove fault.
Most states require employers to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, which pays for medical treatment, lost wages, and sometimes long-term care for work-related injuries. In Missouri, the Division of Workers’ Compensation, under the Department of Labor, oversees the program.
Get Help After a Car Accident
How your medical bills are paid after a car accident depends on the circumstances of the accident, the insurance policies involved, and the state where the accident occurred.
In at-fault states such as Missouri, you’ll rely on the responsible party’s auto insurance policy to compensate you for your medical bills. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will try to underpay or deny your claim. When they do, our legal team can help.
Our attorneys at Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers have over 45 years of combined experience. Call today for a free consultation to find out how we can help with your car accident claim. Your Injury. Our Fight.
