When you’re involved in an accident, your life can be flipped upside down in a matter of minutes. Not only do you have to worry about your immediate injuries, but you also have to think about how you’ll pay for the medical bills you’re sure to rack up. If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Keep reading to learn more about how your healthcare expenses will be handled if you’re the victim of an auto accident. You’ll also discover how a Los Angeles, California car accident lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve.
Who Can Be Liable for My Medical Bills After an Auto Accident?
When involved in an accident that you did not cause, ensuring you receive financial compensation is crucial. However, California is not a “no-fault” state. In order to receive payment, you will need to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance, but that means you must prove the other driver was responsible for the injury.
Cases can take months, and sometimes years, to settle. Until the other driver is proven liable for the injuries, they will not have to pay the medical bills. In the meantime, you will need to submit claims through your insurance company.
This can pose issues for those with plans that don’t cover specific procedures, as it is up to the patient to pay out-of-pocket to cover the bill. The injured party may not receive treatment for fear they cannot afford it. This delays the healing process and can cause additional injuries to occur.
However, you can file a personal injury claim against the other party to ensure you receive financial compensation for the injuries you sustained. Just be aware that the insurance company is within its right to be reimbursed for the bills they have paid on your behalf if you win your claim.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
After an accident, there are several steps you should take to help prove that you were not at fault for the accident. First and foremost, you should seek emergency medical attention for any injuries that require immediate treatment. This is vital to keeping you healthy. If the wounds are non-life threatening, you can wait to visit your regular doctor. However, you will still want to seek treatment, as establishing a medical record is vital.
If you don’t need treatment, you’ll want to capture plenty of photos and videos of the scene and the damage sustained to your vehicle. You should also take pictures of the injuries you endured. If possible, see if local homes or businesses have security footage of the accident, as this can help show exactly what happened.
You will also want to ensure you get witness testimony. This is essential, as they can help prove you were not at fault.
Finally, you’ll need to reach out to a legal professional. Retaining the help of a competent personal injury attorney from LA Legal Solutions can guarantee you’ll have someone in your corner fighting for you. Reach out today to discuss the details of your case.
