Will the at-fault driver’s car insurance pay for my medical bills? In most cases, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers medical expenses, but coverage limits and policy exclusions may affect the amount you receive.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your Duluth car accident lawyer can determine whether additional options such as MedPay or personal health insurance may help cover costs.
How Liability Insurance Covers Medical Expenses
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver, their liability insurance is typically responsible for covering your medical expenses. Liability insurance pays for injuries sustained in the crash, but only up to the policy limits. The following medical expenses are typically covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Follow-up doctor visits
How Much Can You Get From an Insurance Settlement
The amount of compensation available for your medical bills depends on the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. If their policy has a low bodily injury coverage limit, it may not fully cover your expenses. In cases where injuries require long-term treatment, insurance limits may be exhausted quickly, leaving you responsible for the remaining costs.
Georgia law requires drivers to carry liability insurance for bodily injury claims under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11. The minimum required coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, but many medical expenses exceed these limits. If the at-fault driver only carries minimum coverage, your Duluth catastrophic injury lawyer may consider alternative sources of compensation.
What Happens If Medical Bills Exceed the At-Fault Driver’s Policy Limits?
If your medical expenses exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, their policy may not cover the full cost of treatment. Once the policy pays out its maximum amount, you may be responsible for the remaining medical bills. Without additional coverage options, you could face significant financial hardship.
Personal health insurance and Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) can help cover any remaining expenses. MedPay is an optional insurance policy that covers medical costs regardless of fault, helping to fill gaps left by liability coverage. If you have MedPay or health insurance, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs while waiting for a settlement.
In some cases, pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s personal assets may be an option. If the driver was uninsured or carried insufficient coverage, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation. However, collecting compensation through a lawsuit depends on whether the at-fault driver has personal assets that can be used to satisfy a judgment.
Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Cover Medical Expenses?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage helps pay for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. PIP is designed to provide immediate financial relief by covering hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Unlike liability insurance, PIP does not require proving fault, making it a useful option for injured drivers and passengers.
In Georgia, PIP coverage is optional but can supplement other forms of compensation in a car accident claim. If you have PIP, it may cover medical costs that exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits. PIP benefits can also be used to pay for out-of-pocket expenses while waiting for a settlement or reimbursement from another insurance source.
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How Insurance Companies Handle Medical Bill Reimbursement
After a car accident, insurance companies determine which medical expenses they will cover before issuing payment. Insurers review hospital records, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans to assess the necessity of each charge. If they believe certain treatments were excessive or unrelated to the accident, they may refuse to cover those costs.
Medical liens may also be placed on your settlement by healthcare providers. When treatment costs exceed available insurance coverage, hospitals and doctors may claim a portion of your settlement to recover unpaid medical bills. These liens must be negotiated before finalizing a settlement to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Insurance adjusters often challenge medical expenses to limit payouts. They may argue that certain procedures were unnecessary or that less expensive treatments should have been used. If an insurer disputes the cost of your medical care, providing detailed records and expert testimony can help validate your claim.
Common Insurance Company Tactics That Can Delay Medical Payments
Insurance companies use various strategies to delay or minimize payouts for accident-related medical expenses. These tactics often frustrate injured individuals who need financial support for ongoing treatment. Being aware of the following common practices can help you avoid unnecessary claim delays:
- Disputing injury severity – Insurers may claim that medical records do not support the level of treatment received. If your injuries do not appear severe enough based on initial reports, they may refuse to cover extended physical therapy or rehabilitation. Medical evaluations from specialists can help counter these claims and validate the need for continued care.
- Requesting unnecessary documentation – Insurance companies may delay payments by repeatedly asking for additional records. They might request duplicate copies of medical bills, diagnostic scans, or treatment notes to prolong the claims process. While providing requested documents is important, keeping track of what has already been submitted can help push the claim forward.
- Blaming pre-existing conditions – Insurers may argue that injuries were not caused by the accident but by prior health issues. If you had a previous back injury or joint pain, they might try to link your current symptoms to that condition instead of the crash. Detailed medical records showing how the accident worsened your condition can help dispute this argument.
- Offering quick settlements – Lowball offers may not fully cover medical expenses or ongoing treatment needs. Insurers may pressure you to accept a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Accepting a fast payout could leave you responsible for additional medical bills that arise later.
Insurance companies prioritize their financial interests over your recovery. If your medical bills are being delayed or disputed, having thorough documentation and a strong understanding of your rights can help prevent unfair claim denials. The more prepared you are, the better positioned you will be to challenge these tactics and secure the compensation you need.
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Get Answers From Your Duluth Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Medical expenses can quickly add up after a car accident, leaving you with financial stress and uncertainty.
Your Duluth personal injury lawyer from Slam Dunk Attorney can evaluate your claim, explore all available insurance options, and fight for the compensation you need. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
Call or text 404-951-3513 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
