After an accident, there are numerous issues you could face related to the injuries you sustained. From physical recovery time to compensating you for an inability to work or cover your medical expenses, the law surrounding accidents and claims for compensation can sometimes be tricky to navigate.
Even if the other driver is at fault for your injuries, it can take some time for the settlement to come through. Low coverage limits from their insurance provider may not cover the costs of your medical care, and insurance companies have also been known to fight settlement amounts, which can further delay your settlement for weeks, months, or even years until it has been resolved.
Fortunately, with expert personal injury representation from an experienced attorney, finding out how to cover your medical expenses after an accident does not have to be a painstaking issue. In fact, a variety of options exist to make sure that you have the coverage you need when you need it most.
Health Insurance
Due to the nature of health insurance, your provider may have negotiated a substantial discount for medical care services with many health care providers. If you have health insurance, and do not have medical payments coverage (discussed below), your best option for covering your medical expenses after an accident is to submit those bills to your health insurance provider.
Although health insurance providers will seek reimbursement for the bills they have paid on your behalf, you can claim the total amount of your medical expenses as damages in your claim, since Nevada follows the Collateral Source Rule. That way, you can rightfully keep the difference between the total amount awarded and the discount paid by your insurer.
Medical Payments Coverage
Some auto insurance policies provide this type of coverage which is available to pay a certain level of medical costs resulting from an accident. This amount can vary on a policy-to-policy level as agreed to in the insurance contract of the owner of the car and or its occupants. More information on this coverage can be found on our page covering Medical payments coverage.
Settlement Lien
Another final option to covering your medical expenses after an accident is to place a lien on the insurance settlement or legal verdict from your case. A lien will give you time to get your settlement in exchange for a promise to pay your health care provider once a settlement is reached.
There is some risk with placing a lien on your settlement, however, as a lien will not prevent collective action and you will be responsible for the full bill even if you do not receive a large settlement. Consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your financial options before opting to place a lien on your medical expenses.
Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney
Being involved in an accident is stressful enough, and worrying about covering your medical expenses after the fact can make the aftermath of an accident even more chaotic. Our attorneys can help you understand your insurance policies and help you negotiate with medical providers about how to best cover your medical expenses during and after the claims process.
We are here to negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf. If you have been involved in an accident in Las Vegas that has resulted in injury, contact Cap & Kudler to discuss your claim with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys during a free consultation session.
