In the aftermath of a car Accident, understanding how to secure coverage and funds for medical bills is critically important. But with insurance policies, liability issues, and legal nuances at play, it’s easy to find yourself lost in a maze of bureaucracy and fine print.

How to Get Your Medical Bills Covered After a Car Accident

Initial Steps to Take at the Scene

The best way to ensure you get all of your medical bills covered after a car accident is to respond promptly at the scene. You can’t afford to delay. Not only will this hurt your chances of reaching a full recovery, but it’ll also create unnecessary confusion and doubt when it comes to the insurance process. Here are some steps to take:

• Safety First: Before anything else, ensure everyone’s safety. If you or anyone else is injured, getting medical attention is the priority.
• Document Everything: If you’re able to do so safely, take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and relevant road conditions or signage. This documented evidence will be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
• Exchange Information: Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver. If there are witnesses, get their contact information too.
• Report the Accident: Notify the police so there’s an official accident report. This report can be vital for insurance claims and establishing liability.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a fender bender or a serious accident – these are the four steps you need to take right away. Skipping even one of them can cost you in a major way.

What to Do After the Accident

If you notice blood, or broken bones, or find yourself in pain, make sure you call 911 right away and get immediate medical attention. The sooner you have medical professionals attending to your injuries, the better.

But even if you don’t feel a lot of pain or see obvious injuries, you still need to get medical attention. That’s because your body’s hormone response could be masking what’s going on.

“Adrenaline tells your body how to reallocate resources, causing the physical responses, one of which includes the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as your body’s natural painkillers,” Pinnacle Health Chiropractic explains. “With endorphin release, your after-accident pain may be partially or completely masked. It may take days, in fact, for the full extent of pain from your injuries to reveal itself.”

In addition to getting medical attention, be sure to notify your insurance company as soon as you can to report the accident. They’ll guide you through their claims process and what benefits you’re entitled to under your policy.

How to Navigate Insurance

Speaking of insurance, there’s a lot that goes into handling this aspect of the post-accident process. Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, but it’s a critical step in covering your medical expenses.

Start by familiarizing yourself with your insurance coverage, especially the medical payments coverage (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) if you’re in a no-fault state. These can cover your medical bills regardless of who’s at fault.

Next, you’ll want to file a claim with your insurance company promptly. Be sure to provide all necessary documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and any evidence from the scene. (If you have health insurance, your health insurer and auto insurer may coordinate benefits to maximize your coverage. Read through your policies to make sure you understand how this works.)

When discussing the accident with insurance adjusters, be careful not to make statements that could be construed as admitting fault. Better yet, avoid doing the negotiations yourself and rely on your attorney.

Hiring an Attorney

Hiring a lawyer to handle your case for you is a smart idea. That’s because most accidents aren’t as “cut and dry” as people assume.

“Most car accidents happen due to speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, drowsy driving, and other driver errors,” Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa explain. “Whether you were harmed in a car accident as another driver, a pedestrian, or a passenger, you can hold the negligent and dangerous driver legally liable for the consequences of their actions.”

A lawyer can assess the strength of your case and the compensation you’re entitled to, considering medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. And, if necessary, they can file a lawsuit on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Move With Purpose and Precision

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and mounting medical bills. But by taking the right steps from the start, you can secure the coverage you need. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Be intentional and hire a qualified attorney to help walk you through the process!