Who Pays Medical Bills after a Car Accident?
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, also known as first-party benefits. If you are injured in a car accident, PIP kicks in immediately, and it is very likely to cover your early medical bills. If your damages exceed your coverage, however, which is not uncommon, you can seek compensation for your medical bills by filing a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
Bringing a successful claim involves complex legal questions, making it the best course of action to work closely with an experienced car accident attorney at Mette Law.
PIP Requirements in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to carry a specific amount of PIP coverage, but more serious injuries can quickly exceed the threshold set. If your damages exceed your PIP policy, you can file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance provider. From here, your persuasive car accident lawyer will fiercely advocate for compensation that addresses your current and ongoing medical costs as well as your other legal damages.
Your Medical Expenses
In the aftermath of a car accident, your medical bills can mount very quickly. Common examples include all the following:
- Emergency care at the scene of the accident and emergency transportation to the hospital
- Surgical care, which includes follow-up care
- Hospital stays and all related expenses
- Appointments with doctors and medical specialists
- Medical tests, treatments, and procedures
- Prescription medications
- Pain management
- Therapeutic care, such as physical and occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Specialty care, such as home health care or assistance with the activities of daily living
- Adaptive physical devices, as well as any physical modifications to your home or office
Holding the Other Driver Responsible for Your Medical Bills
To bring a successful car accident claim that holds the other driver responsible for your medical bills, you’ll need to prove each of the following primary elements:
- The other motorist breached the duty of care they owed you. This typically means engaging in negligent behavior while driving, such as distracted driving, excessive speed, or impairment.
- The other motorist’s negligence was the direct cause of the car accident that left you injured.
- You suffered legal damages that exceed your PIP coverage, which includes your medical bills, as a result.
In cases involving more serious car accidents, victims have the right to seek just compensation through the insurance providers of the negligent motorists involved.
You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
The diligent Williamsport car accident attorneys at Mette Law take great pride in our long-standing reputation for successfully guiding even the most challenging car accident claims toward favorable resolutions that honor our clients’ rights. The outcome of your claim is essential to your recovery, so please don’t put off reaching out for more information by contacting us online or calling us at 717-232-5000 today.