Even minor accidents have the potential to cause injuries to occupants of the vehicles involved, and major accidents are almost guaranteed to result in a mountain of medical bills. As you recover from a crash physically and psychologically, mounting medical bills can be overwhelming. What’s more, you may be confused as to who should pay for the bills and whether or not you have any legal recourse in seeking compensation. While it’s important to speak with an attorney who can provide advice that’s specific to your claim, here’s an overview of what you should know about paying for medical bills after a car accident in Massachusetts—
Types of Medical Bills that Are Recoverable After an Accident
Whether you are filing a claim against your own policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage or the other driver’s liability coverage (which is allowable when your injuries meet the serious injury threshold in Massachusetts), you should be able to recover compensation for all of your medical expenses related to your accident subject to the insurance amount available under the separate coverages. This includes compensation for hospital transfers, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, medical appliances or devices, etc.
Who Pays for Medical Bills?
Who will pay for your medical bills after an accident will depend on the type of insurance you have, who was at fault for the crash, and the severity of your accident. For example, an automobile accident if you have PIP coverage through your car insurance, your PIP coverage will pay the first $2,000, leaving the rest to your health insurance company. After that is exhausted, your bills will be submitted to your health insurance. If the other driver was at fault for the crash and your injuries are serious, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage.
Can I Recover Compensation for the Value of My Pain and Suffering?
While medical bills are a type of economic damage that are recoverable through the claims process, the value of a person’s pain, suffering, and emotional distress is intangible and will not be compensated by a health insurance company. However, if an injured party is filing a claim against the at-fault party for compensation, then it is possible to seek compensation for noneconomic damages. Noneconomic damages may be compensated in addition to economic damages, and will require proving the fault of the responsible party in order to recover.
Call Tetzel Law, LLC Today
Medical bills often make up the bulk of a personal injury claim following a serious accident, sometimes totaling into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. If you have been in an accident and have a question about how you’ll pay your medical bills, our Massachusetts car accident attorney at the office of Tetzel Law, LLC can help. Reach out to our law firm today for your free consultation online or at (617) 742-1700.