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Using Health Insurance for Car Accident Damages - Jones Law Group

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Using Health Insurance for Car Accident Damages

If you’ve suffered a severe injury in a car accident caused by another driver, you’re probably wondering how your health insurance will affect your ability to pay your medical bills. Health insurance is basically a last resort when it comes to paying medical expenses after a wreck. Your insurer might send your bills to your car insurance company first and then pay whatever your personal injury protection (PIP) and other coverage don’t handle. Here’s everything you need to know about using health insurance for car accident damages.

This can be highly complex, but an attorney with the Jones Law Group can help clear things up. We can also work to help you obtain the compensation you deserve from those to blame for your suffering. Call (727) 571-1333 or contact us online for a free consultation.

What is a Health Insurance Lien?

A health insurance lien is a legal claim that an insurance company can make on a portion of the settlement or judgment obtained by an individual in a personal injury case. When a person is injured and receives medical treatment, their health insurance company will typically pay for a portion of their medical expenses. You might be able to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, if another driver’s negligence caused your injury.

When the case reaches a settlement, or you win an award from a jury, the health insurance company may be entitled to recover some or all of the money they paid for your medical treatment. This is known as a health insurance lien. The lien allows the insurance company to recover the amount they paid for medical treatment from the settlement or judgment you may obtain.

A health insurance lien can significantly impact the amount of compensation you’ll receive. In some cases, the lien may be negotiable, and an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to reduce the amount.

Are You Required to Use Health Insurance for Medical Treatment After a Personal Injury Accident?

Many people wonder whether they must use their health insurance to cover the costs of medical treatment after a car wreck. The answer can depend on several factors, including the terms of the health insurance policy and the specific circumstances of the accident.

In general, if you have health insurance, it’s a good idea to use it to cover the costs of medical treatment. This is because health insurance can help limit your out-of-pocket expenses and ensure you have access to the medical care you need to recover from your injuries.

But you don’t have to use it. If you have other methods of paying for treatment, you could use those. For example, you could arrange with your doctor to pay them out of your compensation. If you have Medpay as part of your car insurance, that could possibly cover your medical expenses.

A seasoned car accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. Your attorney can work with your health insurance company to help ensure that you receive the total compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries and related expenses.

How Will Health Insurance Affect a Car Accident Claim?

Health insurance can have a significant impact on a car accident claim. If you’re injured in a car accident, your health insurance may cover the cost of your medical treatment. This can limit your out-of-pocket expenses and ensure you have access to the medical care you need.

As stated earlier, your health insurance company may have a right to recover some or all of the costs of your medical treatment from any settlement or judgment you receive by taking legal action against the at-fault driver. This is the health insurance lien.

In some cases, your health insurance company may be entitled to a portion of the settlement or judgment. This is true even if they didn’t cover the total cost of your medical treatment. Again, health insurance is a complicated issue. It’s essential you work with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the complications.

Will a Lack of Health Insurance Damage My Car Accident Case?

Without health insurance, you may not have access to the medical care you need to recover from your injuries. You may be responsible for paying for your medical treatment out of pocket. Some people will hesitate to go to the doctor because they’re not covered and hurt their case. If you didn’t get medical treatment, the insurance company may claim that you’re not seriously injured.

However, a lack of health insurance doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t pursue a car accident case. In some cases, your attorney may be able to help you find alternative sources of medical care and financing.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney to Discuss Your Case

As you can see, this subject is complex. But a Jones Law Group attorney can explain the relationship between health insurance and a car accident case. Our firm has a team of experts who will gladly answer all of your questions. Just as importantly, we’ll provide the aggressive representation it will take to ensure you get every dollar you have coming.

We realize you have a lot of options when it comes to legal representation. We’ll never make any promises regarding how much money you’ll get. However, we promise no one will work harder on your behalf. Our firm has a long track record of success in similar cases. We’re ready to put our knowledge and passion to work for you. We’ll investigate to determine why the accident happened and also to find who’s responsible.

Please don’t hesitate to use our online contact form for a free evaluation of your case or call (727) 571-1333. We look forward to hearing from you.

About the Author

Heath Murphy is a partner at Jones Law Group and focuses on personal injury law. He has been working as a lawyer for 18 years and routinely writes about auto accidents, wrongful death, and personal injury laws.

Read more: Heath’s Bio