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When you’re involved in a car accident in Texas, one of the most pressing concerns is how to cover the medical expenses that result from your injuries. Understanding the mechanisms in place for paying these bills is crucial for ensuring you receive the necessary medical treatment without falling into financial distress. In this article we will guide you through the various avenues available for managing medical bills after a car accident in Texas, including auto insurance claims, personal injury protection, and more.
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is a type of coverage that can significantly benefit you following a car accident in Texas. This no-fault insurance means it covers your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault for the accident. PIP insurance typically covers not only your medical bills but also related expenses such as lost wages and costs for essential services you may be unable to perform due to your injuries. In Texas, insurance companies are required to offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage, but you have the option to purchase higher limits.
In Texas, every auto insurance policy must automatically include PIP coverage unless you explicitly reject it in writing. Therefore, without a signed rejection, you should be entitled to at least $2,500 in PIP benefits. Thus, even if you did not actively choose PIP coverage, you can still receive financial assistance for your medical expenses and other related costs after an accident.
Medical Payments coverage (MedPay) is another form of insurance that can help pay for medical expenses following a car accident in Texas. While both MedPay and PIP can cover medical expenses, there are notable differences between the two, such as:
If you have health insurance, it can play a vital role in covering your medical expenses following a car accident in Texas. Health insurance can provide coverage for a wide range of medical treatments, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Depending on your policy, you may be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses, but your health insurance can significantly reduce the overall financial burden.
Note, health insurance is typically secondary to other forms of coverage like PIP or MedPay. This means that you should first utilize any available PIP or MedPay benefits for your initial medical costs before turning to your health insurance to cover any remaining expenses. Additionally, some health insurance policies have subrogation clauses, allowing them to seek reimbursement from any settlements or judgments you receive from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
When the car accident is caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the option to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This type of claim can help you recover compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help guide you through the legal process and maximize your compensation. Your attorney will assist in negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer an adequate amount, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf. However, understand that Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you have a limited time frame to file your lawsuit, which is typically two years from the date of the accident.
In Texas, the concept of “at-fault” applies to car accidents, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident bears financial responsibility for any resulting damages. This system is sometimes referred to as a “tort” system.
In an at-fault state like Texas, if you are injured in a car accident, you have several options to pursue compensation for your losses. You can file a claim with your own insurance company, which will then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer, file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver.
Once fault is determined, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering losses up to the policy limits. However, if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or their insurance is insufficient to cover all the damages, you may need to explore other avenues, such as uninsured motorist coverage (UM) or underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) or pursuing a lawsuit to recover the remaining costs.
In Texas, drivers are required to carry a mandatory minimum amount of auto liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in the event of an accident. The state-mandated minimum limits, commonly referred to as 30/60/25 coverage, include $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This means that if you cause a crash, your insurance must pay up to these amounts for the other party’s losses.
Having a robust collection of supporting evidence is crucial to proving the at-fault driver’s liability and the extent of your damages. This evidence not only strengthens your claim but also aids in negotiating a fair settlement or presenting your case in court.
Below is a list of essential types of evidence to gather for your personal injury claim:
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage offer protection in situations where the at-fault driver either has no insurance at all or lacks sufficient insurance coverage to cover your losses. UM coverage is used if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have any liability insurance. It ensures that your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages are covered when the responsible party cannot fulfill their financial obligation.
UIM coverage, on the other hand, provides protection when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages. For instance, if your total damages amount to $50,000 but the at-fault driver’s policy is minimum limits of $30,000, your UIM coverage can help to bridge that $20,000 gap, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Deferred payment agreements with medical providers can help in managing medical expenses following an accident. These agreements allow you to receive medical treatment without upfront payment, with the understanding that payment will be deferred until your personal injury claim is settled.
Informing your medical provider that you have an ongoing personal injury claim is essential in setting up a deferred payment agreement. Most providers will require documentation from your attorney confirming the claim and possibly a letter of protection (LOP), which guarantees that the medical bills will be paid from the settlement proceeds. By doing so, you can access treatments like surgeries, physical therapy, and specialist consultations without the immediate financial burden.
Navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Thompson Law, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing the support and expertise you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Our team is well-versed in handling various types of cases – including car accidents, truck wrecks, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, and more – and we understand the challenges you face.
Thompson Law is committed to offering personalized legal assistance tailored to your unique circumstances. We will guide you through every step of the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements and, if necessary, representing your interests in court. Our goal is to alleviate the stress associated with filing a claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION. We charge NO UPFRONT FEES, and anything we are paid only comes out of a portion of your settlement. Contact us today and take the first step towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you receive medical bills before your claim is settled, you should inform the billing department of your healthcare provider about your ongoing personal injury claim. You may also negotiate with your providers to delay payment until your claim is resolved or seek assistance from your attorney to set up a letter of protection (LOP) to ensure payment from the eventual settlement.
You generally have the right to choose your own doctor for treating car accident injuries. However, some deferred payment agreements and insurance coverages may have specific requirements or preferred provider lists. It’s advisable to check with your insurer and attorney to ensure your chosen provider is covered and familiar with handling car accident cases.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to pay your medical bills, you may need to pursue legal action to recover those costs. Your attorney can help you file a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. In the meantime, other coverages such as your personal health insurance, MedPay, or UM/UIM coverage can help cover initial expenses.
If you are being contacted by debt collectors for medical bills related to a car accident, inform them about your ongoing personal injury claim immediately. Provide them with your attorney’s contact information so they can verify the status of your case. You can also request that they cease direct communication and direct all inquiries through your attorney.
Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.
