Being injured in an auto accident in Indiana can be devastating, leaving you unable to work and in pain. Injuries can range from bumps and bruises to broken bones, brain trauma, and more. When someone else is at fault for the accident, you would expect the at-fault driver or their insurance company to cover your medical expenses. However, resolving the claim can take time and may require legal action. Here, we’ll discuss how medical bills are paid after a car accident and how the personal injury attorneys at Church Church Hittle and Antrim can help.

Who Pays Medical Bills After a Car Accident?

In Indiana, an at-fault driver may be responsible for your car accident medical bills and other costs for causing your injuries. However, the responsible party may not automatically admit fault, or they may not make any payments before you prove fault or complete treatment for your injuries. Sometimes, resolving claims with the insurance companies can take months or years, depending on the situation, and may require legal action. However, you have some options to cover medical bills while you wait for the claims process.

Does Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Injuries?

Yes. In the event of an auto accident, your health insurance can be used to cover medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other treatments. Your health insurance provider may request information about the accident and seek reimbursement from any settlement or judgment with the at-fault party's liability insurance carrier later.

Do Car Insurance Companies Pay Medical Bills Directly?

Car insurance companies for the at-fault party typically do not pay medical bills directly to healthcare providers. If another driver is at fault, the at-fault party will consider your past and future medical expenses as an element of damages in your case. This typically is not paid by the at-fault party’s insurance company until the final resolution of your claim. Until then, your health insurance is usually the primary source to cover initial medical expenses. Your own auto insurance may also cover some medical costs and out-of-pocket expenses if you elected to have medical payments coverage under your policy.

Why Is Covering Medical Expenses After an Accident So Complicated?

There are several reasons why the compensation process can feel frustrating. There may be a dispute concerning fault, for example. There may also be multiple parties, which makes determining fault and liability, or apportioning damages, complex when considering each of their insurance coverage and potential contribution to the accident. There may also be the issue of inadequate liability coverage, meaning the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the cost of your medical bills. Many find that navigating the insurance claims process is rarely a simple task. The average person can feel intimidated and confused trying to figure out the process on their own.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Claim in Indiana?

If you decide to pursue legal action against the at-fault party, you have two years to do so. Every civil cause of action has a time limit in which a potential plaintiff must file their claim, known as its statute of limitations. Under Indiana law, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, barring a few exceptions such as a minor child. However, the specific details of insurance policies and legal requirements will vary, and the time to file a claim on a certain policy might be very different. Because of this, it's advisable to consult with an experienced Indiana auto accident attorney to get more accurate and personalized guidance based on your situation.

Do You Need an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer?

If you are involved in a car accident that you believe was due to another driver’s fault and suffered injuries as a result, you have the right to seek compensation, including medical costs. But dealing with the other parties and the insurance companies is often a complicated and stressful process. If you find yourself in this situation, seek help from an Indiana personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Our personal injury lawyers at CCHA Law are experienced in dealing with insurance companies, help you navigate the system, and maximize your compensation. They can handle negotiating medical bills and liens after the accident and any subsequent settlement discussions on your behalf.

Contact Us

CCHA Law has proudly served those injured in Indiana for over a century and will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, call us or fill out our online contact form.