Have you been involved in a car accident through no fault of your own? Is a loved one suffering from terrible consequences following a wreck? Now is the time to take the long road to recovery. As you know, recovery can get expensive quickly. So, you may be wondering who is liable for paying your medical bills after an accident. Ultimately, working with an Albuquerque car accident attorney may help you win a settlement to cover your expenses and other damages. Read on to better understand the legal process.
Medical Bills After a Car Accident
Unfortunately, it is your legal obligation to pay any medical bills, whether the accident was your fault or not. Initially, your own medical insurance can help alleviate some of this burden.
In addition, some drivers in New Mexico have additional coverage called medical payments insurance, or MedPay. MedPay will cover the medical bills of those injured in the vehicle with the insured party. This includes the driver and/or any passengers. Usually, MedPay covers about $10,000 or less. While many injuries may be covered under your maximum amount, anything beyond that is your responsibility to pay.
But, do you have any other options for who pays medical bills after an accident? This depends on if you’re in an “at-fault” state. An Albuquerque car accident attorney can help you navigate what this means for you and your case. Furthermore, they will be able to assist you in finding further coverage for medical costs.
Is New Mexico an At-Fault State?
Indeed, New Mexico is an at-fault state. At-fault means that the state places blame on whoever caused an accident. In New Mexico, the financial burden of any medical and other related costs is the responsibility of the at-fault party or parties.
Thus, if you pursue a personal injury settlement with an Albuquerque personal injury law firm, and that settlement leads to a case, the defendant may be responsible to pay any damages owed to you. This compensation may cover any injury-related cost, like:
- Ambulance rides,
- Emergency room costs,
- Doctor visits,
- Prescriptions,
- Surgery expenses,
- Physical therapy, and
- Mental health support.
Many of these costs may arise before a settlement can be reached. So, it’s important to note that you must reimburse these costs to any insurer that has already covered some of these costs. Insurers, Medicaid, and Medicare are entitled to this reimbursement if you do receive a personal injury settlement.
In order to do this effectively, and leave some money behind for your future expenses, you will need a knowledgeable and strategic attorney on your side. So, reach out to an Albuquerque car accident attorney for a free, no-obligation case review. Then, our award-winning legal team will begin to assess your case.
Maximizing Compensation for Medical Bills
To build an effective personal injury case, your attorney will look into evidence from your accident. This evidence can prove who was at-fault, so be sure to collect these artifacts.
- After an accident, it’s important to be safe and move out of harm’s way. Then, call the police. The police will ask both drivers for statements. Also, they may take statements from passengers, and any witnesses to the crash. These statements provide attorneys with first-hand accounts of what happened during the accident. Obtain a copy of this report and save it for your files.
- Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle. Save these pictures and share with your personal injury attorney.
- Always exchange insurance information with the other driver. This will help you connect with the right insurer.
- Keep a journal of your physical symptoms. Some injuries may not appear for a few days after a crash. So, it’s important to have written proof of any lingering effects.
- Save everything, especially every medical bill. This will help prove how much your medical expenses are after an accident. In addition, save any official documentation of your injuries from your doctor.
- Track everything. Keep detailed records of medical bills coming in, and what amount you have already paid. Note what is covered by your insurance, and what is coming out of pocket.
All of this can be daunting, especially during a time of recovery after an injury. But, it can lead to winning maximum compensation for your medical bills.
Thankfully, the most valuable non-legal service our Albuquerque personal injury lawyers provide is to carry the emotional burden of our clients so that they can focus on recovery. And, with thousands of five-star reviews, you can rest assured knowing that Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is fighting for your family.
Need Help Paying Medical Bills after a Car Accident?
Take advantage of our 24/7 legal help at our Albuquerque personal injury law firm. You can do this by filling out an online form for a FREE consultation today. You can also use our LiveChat feature, or call 505-544-4444.
Then, you’ll be connected with a team of personal injury attorneys. You will get the help you need to fight for the compensation you deserve to pay your medical bills. Best of all, you won’t pay us a dime until we win. So, don’t wait for more time to pass- contact us today.