After a car accident in Connecticut, getting your medical bills paid can involve multiple parties and insurance policies. Here’s what you need to know about covering medical expenses following a crash:
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
Your own auto insurance policy may include optional Medical Payments coverage, also known as Med Pay. This coverage pays for medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Med Pay is not mandatory in Connecticut, but insurers are required to offer it. It typically comes in increments like $1,000, $5,000, or $10,000 per person.
Health Insurance
Once Med Pay is exhausted or if you don’t have it, your health insurance becomes the primary payer for accident-related medical bills. This could be employer-sponsored insurance, Medicare, HUSKY (Connecticut’s Medicaid program), or a private plan. Keep in mind that your health insurer may seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive later.
At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
Connecticut is a fault-based state, meaning the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurance is ultimately responsible for covering damages, including medical expenses. However, they are not obligated to pay your bills as they come due. Instead, medical costs become a factor in valuing your overall claim for settlement or trial purposes.
To seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance:
- Gather evidence like medical records, bills and proof of lost wages
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit if necessary
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient coverage, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy can help cover medical expenses and other damages, but similarly to the claim against the at-fault driver, the payments generally await the resolution of your UM/UIM claim.
Getting your medical bills paid after an accident isn’t always straightforward. Multiple insurance policies may come into play, and you may need to negotiate with insurers to receive fair compensation. An experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney can help navigate this complex process, ensuring you receive the coverage you’re entitled to and advocating for your rights if disputes arise. If you have additional questions or would like to speak with a knowledgeable attorney, please do not hesitate to contact Casper & de Toledo today.
