If you have been hurt in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash, medical bills can pile up. Frequently, people come to see us after they have received large medical bills, and they are struggling to pay them. Even clients who have health insurance often have a large out-of-pocket deductible. When we first meet with clients, they almost always ask:
- “Won’t the at-fault driver’s car insurance pay my medical bills since they caused the accident?”
- “Should I use my health insurance?”
- “How am I going to pay my medical bills?”
A central job of every personal injury lawyer is helping clients navigate the maze that is insurance coverage. Each case is unique, and each insurance policy is different. However, we hope we can shed some light on common ways to get your medical bills paid.
Will the Other Driver’s Car Insurance Pay My Medical Bills?
A common tactic for insurance companies is to promise to pay for an injured person’s medical bills or out-of-pocket expenses as they incur them. This does not work and it is not fair compensation.
For example, one client came to see us a year after her crash. The auto insurance company for the at-fault driver promised to pay her medical bills, but she kept receiving bills and late notices in the mail. Although the auto insurance company promised to pay her bills, they never did. Her bills were sent to collections. We got the issue resolved and her bills paid, but this caused her a lot of unnecessary stress and hardship. The takeaway here is easy: If an insurance company offers to pay your medical bills, say no and call an attorney.
Should I Use My Health Insurance After a Car or Motorcycle Crash?
Many people who are injured in a car crash do not provide their health insurance information to their medical providers because they think it will be covered by the other driver’s car insurance. They do not think it is fair that their insurance should pay for an accident caused by someone else. We understand that sentiment, but you should provide your health insurance information to your medical providers if you were injured in a car or motorcycle crash.
What is Medical Payments Coverage or “Med Pay”?
In Colorado, many auto insurance policies include Medical Payments Coverage, which is also called “Med Pay.” This is insurance coverage that you buy for yourself. Med Pay covers medical expenses that you incur as a result of an accident. Most Med Pay policies are $5,000, but we have seen coverage as high as $25,000. Most of our clients are not aware if they have Medical Payments Coverage, so we have them bring in a copy of their insurance policy for us to review.
Under Colorado law, specifically C.R.S. 10-4-635, insurance companies are required to offer $5,000 of Medical Payments Coverage, which can be used for “medically necessary and accident-related trauma care or medical care.” If a Colorado driver rejects Medical Payments Coverage, then the insurance company must keep a copy of the signed rejection. If the insurance company cannot produce a copy of the signed rejection, then it must provide Medical Payments Coverage in the amount of $5,000.
We Can Help You Recover What You Are Owed
Do you have medical bills caused by a car, truck, or motorcycle accident? Are you confused or concerned about how your medical bills will be paid? At Hadfield Stieben and Doutt, LLC we offer confidential and free consultations. We have extensive experience in handling auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents. We practice in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Estes Park, Wellington, Longmont, along the Front Range and in Northern Colorado.