Medical bills are probably one of the most common and costly expenses people face after being involved in a car crash. Since Indiana is a tort state, the at-fault driver and their insurance provider will be liable for paying the medical expenses. However, there might be further choices available as well, based on the specifics of the accident and injuries.
Those injured in a car accident need to get in touch with a car accident lawyer for assistance because this can be a challenging process. However, let's take a look at some of the basic and most important considerations.
The At-fault Driver's Insurance Company
In the state of Indiana, drivers are required to have auto insurance. The purpose of this is to ensure they can cover any property damage or injuries that result from them causing an accident.
The minimum insurance coverage is as follows:
$50,000 for property damage
$50,000 for total bodily injury liability per accident
$25,000 for bodily injury liability per injured person
The Victim's Medical Payments Coverage
Victims that choose to include medical payments coverage on their insurance policy will be able to use it to cover any medical bills resulting from a vehicle collision, regardless of who caused the accident. Generally, this type of car insurance policy will cover out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays and deductibles.
The advantage of medical payments coverage is that it pays for the victim's medical costs as they arise rather than having the insurance company give them a lump sum payment after their treatment and care have been completed. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help with questions like, "How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim in Indiana?"
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is a standard feature of Indiana vehicle insurance policies, but policyholders can choose not to use it by sending a written request to their insurance provider.
An uninsured/underinsured motorist policy will assist in paying accident-related expenses if the other driver was at fault in the collision but did not have car insurance or insufficient coverage.
The minimum collision coverage amounts are:
Underinsured motorist: $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
Uninsured driver: $50,000 for total bodily injury liability per accident
Uninsured motorist: $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
Uninsured driver: $25,000 for property damage
An underinsured motorist coverage policy will kick in once the at-fault driver's insurance reaches its maximum coverage.
Medicare/ Medicaid
If the victim has either one of these public healthcare plans, the government institution will cover the medical expenses in the same way as private health insurance does, and they will also need to be reimbursed from the settlement.
Before the at-fault driver's insurance company will agree to a settlement, the injured person might be required to show them documentation of the amount owed to Medicaid or Medicare.
The Victim's Health Insurance
The victim's health insurance company may help cover the cost of any medical bills if all other options have been exhausted. However, it's important to note that most health insurance companies expect to be reimbursed from the car insurance company for any medical expenses from the settlement. This is known as the subrogation process and is agreed upon when signing up for health insurance coverage.
It's crucial to realize that the insurance settlement's goal is to pay for the losses the victim incurred as a result of the accident, including medical expenses; therefore, it stands to reason that the health insurance provider would be compensated for these expenses.
Indiana Insurance Settlements Often Take Time
After a serious auto accident, the first thing the victim should do is contact an Indiana auto accident lawyer to start the process of bargaining with the at-fault driver's insurance company. As the injured party focuses on healing from their injuries, the Indianapolis vehicle accident lawyers will take care of ensuring the injured party receives the maximum compensation possible and asking medical providers for deferment, if necessary.
Even when there is no question about who was to blame, it may take weeks or even months to get a fair settlement, especially if the victim is receiving continuous medical treatment that might take some time to complete. If the at-fault party's driver refuses to pay your medical bills or offers insufficient settlement money, the next step would be to take them to court.
Don't Consult with the Responsible Party's Insurance Company Without an Attorney!
An insurance representative who works for the insurance company of the other motorist may call the victim after the car accident. It's vital to keep in mind that, despite their outward friendliness, this person's primary concern is safeguarding their business's bottom line and paying the victim the least amount of money possible following a car crash.
Therefore, watch out for common lies told by insurance brokers, such as:
They need a recorded statement.
The first settlement they offer the victim will be the highest.
The victim needs to speak to the insurance company without the presence of their attorney.
In the event that an insurance agent does contact the victim after the car accident, it's vital that the injured person tell them that they do not wish to speak to them without their lawyer present and then end the call. Regardless of what the agent says, it's important for victims to understand that they are not required to do anything more or less.
Contact an Experienced Indiana Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation!
Thus, who pays for medical bills in a car accident in Indiana? From the at-fault party's insurance company to the victim's health insurance company, there are a number of solutions. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions like, "Does the at fault driver pay for rental car in Indiana?"
Finding the best Indiana personal injury attorney for a car accident claim is essential to the success of the case. At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand this, which is we encourage all victims to work with a dedicated lawyer instead of agreeing to an unfair settlement. Our team of legal experts have the expertise, communication skills, a successful track record, and—most importantly—are willing to go to war for our clients. Therefore, contact us today at (833) 692-5038 for a free consultation.
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