Who Will Pay for Your Medical Expenses After a Car Accident?
If you have been injured in a car accident, your focus should be on your physical recovery. Unfortunately, costly medical expenses that you have incurred as a result of the accident can force financial considerations to the top of your mind. Accident victims will understandably want to know as soon as possible after the accident who will cover their medical expenses so that they can return to focusing on their recovery. To better help you understand your likely medical bill situation, we have prepared this brief overview of who pays medical expenses after a car accident.
The At-Fault Driver is Generally Responsible for Your Medical Bills
Under Georgia law, the at-fault driver or the driver who caused the accident will generally be liable for all medical and property damages incurred by the parties involved. Georgia is considered a "fault" insurance state, which illustrates the responsibility of the at-fault driver. In many "no-fault" states, the claimant must first exhaust his or her own insurance payments before seeking compensation from the other drivers involved.
If you have been injured in an accident, you have several options to seek compensation for your medical expenses. In most cases, you can pursue a claim directly against the other driver's insurance company. However, if the driver does not have sufficient insurance or no insurance at all, you might have to seek a recovery through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Either way, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Your best option will depend upon the facts of the case and your desired outcome. Your automobile accident attorney can evaluate your case and guide you towards the best course of action to obtain coverage for your medical bills and other damages arising from the accident.
You May Need to Cover Some Medical Costs in the Interim
Those without sufficient health insurance or Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage through their car insurance policy could be liable for the immediate medical costs incurred. Though the at-fault driver will bear ultimate responsibility and need to reimburse you for your medical expenses, you could have to shoulder this burden in the interim until your claim is resolved. However, there are steps you can take to make sure you are not paying large sums out of pocket to satisfy medical bills and your attorney can also inform you of some viable options.
When multiple parties and insurance companies are involved in a car accident claim, the situation can become complex and the accident victim can often feel overwhelmed. Consult with an automobile accident attorney early on so that your interests are represented to the fullest extent and you are not forced to handle complicated medical bill issues on your own.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Car Accident Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, the Georgia Car Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience in the industry and strive to provide legal services of unmatched excellence. We accept cases across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act after your injury, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.