How to Get Medical Expenses Settled after a Car Accident

Seeking medical attention should be the first step following a car crash. You’ll need to seek more comprehensive treatment after the initial treatment—first aid. 

Medical treatment is typically costly in the U.S. as per research and unaffordable to most people. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to cater for your medical expenses after a car crash, according to a reputable personal injury attorney in Fairbanks Alaska. 

Medical Expenses Payment Options after a Car Crash 

You should receive quality medical care for the injuries sustained following a car accident. Sadly, financing your treatment can be difficult when dealing with emotional, financial, and physical challenges resulting from the accident. The good thing is that your treatment can be financed through various options as discussed in the section below.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) can pay for your medical bills to the tune of $10,000 regardless of fault. So, you can use PIP to pay for your medical expenses even if you’re partially liable for an accident. However, this protection makes financial sense if utilized within two weeks of an accident.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payment coverage is optional policies purchased alongside personal injury protections, which are mandatory. The coverage typically covers 20% of medical bills and deductibles that aren’t covered by PIP insurance.

Health Insurance

In Alaska, you can use health insurance to pay for medical bills after exhausting the personal injury protection policy maximum limit. In other words, health insurance can only be utilized after exhausting your healthcare insurance policy.

Workers’ Compensation

You can file a worker’s compensation claim with your employer’s insurer if you’re a professional driver. Workers’ compensation caters to medical treatment, including medical bills. The person responsible for your injuries can also be held liable to pay for your damages. A sky lawyer can offer legal advice and representation when necessary.

Legal Action 

Filing legal action means bringing a case against the at-fault party to recover out-of-pocket expenses spent on your treatment. 

What are the Damages of a Car Accident?

In Personal Injury Law, damages refer to financial compensation awarded to plaintiffs for their losses—property destruction or loss, and bodily injuries. The common damages for personal injury claims can include:

• Damages for lost wages or diminished employment opportunities;

• Pain and suffering;

• Loss of Consortium, or

• Punitive damages.

Damages for Medical Expenses

These are financial compensations meant to cater for past, present, and future medical costs incurred or will be incurred by the plaintiff. The amount covers:

• All medical bills;

• Medical appointments and consultations;

• Physical and cognitive therapy expenses;

• Commuting expenses;

• Cost of assistive accessories that may be required by the plaintiff, such as crutches, heat pads, and wheelchairs, and

• Specialized home care, among others.

Experts, such as healthcare professionals and personal injury lawyers, can help draft realistic claims and estimates. A wrongful death claim can be filed by the surviving loved ones if the accident resulted in the death of the deceased. Such claims must include any medical costs incurred by the deceased before death.

Damages for Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering are legally called mental anguish or physical distress.  These damages vary by type, severity, and prognosis associated with the injury sustained. Pain and suffering can include emotional injury caused by the incident, including anxiety, insomnia, and stress.

Different states assess “pain and suffering” differently, meaning the awards can vary by state.  In some states, pain and suffering must be associated with bodily injury while in others, a certain period must elapse before such claims can be made.

Lost Wages

Severe car accident injuries can cause incapacitation thus, loss of potential. Lost wages may also be attributed to the inability to work when you attend physical therapy sessions, doctor’s appointments, mobility challenges, and more. 

Plaintiffs must prove that their injuries have contributed to or diminished their working potential or capabilities. Courts typically consider factors, such as life expectancy, occupation, and skills, when calculating the damages for lost wages.

Loss of Affection or Companionship

Injuries not only affect victims but also their loved ones such as spouses and children. Spouses are deprived of affection, including sex, legally known as loss of consortium. Unlike other damages, loss of consortium damages is typically awarded to spouses. However, losing your claim forfeits the right to recover the loss of consortium damages. 

Surviving loved ones can also claim loss of society and companionship damages. The court considers the following factors when awarding such damages:

• The relationship between claimants and the deceased;

• Living arrangements before the deceased’s death; and

• Impact of the death on the plaintiff.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are sometimes awarded if gross negligence or intentional misconduct can be proved by the plaintiff. These damages are meant to deter or discourage such behavior in society.

Your medical bills can be settled through the options discussed in this article and more, depending on the jurisdiction. A personal injury attorney can help you understand more about this topic.