Injured? Who Will Pay Your Expenses?
Many accident victims have questions about whose insurance company pays for their injuries in a car accident. It is not uncommon at all for insurance companies to bicker about who was responsible for an accident, with both insurers reluctant to pay any damages until the matter is settled. In the meantime, who pays for your medical treatment and other expenses? The answer to that question depends on the circumstances of the accident and the type of insurance you have.
Liability Insurance vs. Full Coverage
Many drivers, especially when they are driving older vehicles, think they can save money by dropping much of their insurance coverage such as collision, comprehensive and medical. However, this may be a poor choice if you do not have the money to pay out-of-pocket expenses pending the outcome of a lawsuit.
If you opt for liability coverage only, it means that your insurance company will not pay anything unless you cause the accident, and then will only pay the other driver’s expenses. While your health insurance may cover some of your medical treatment, this can be a very expensive option if you are seriously injured.
Additionally, you may not be covered at all if you opt out of uninsured motorist coverage. When an uninsured driver hits you, this is the type of coverage that pays your bills. Without it, you could be stuck paying the entire amount, even if the accident was not your fault. In some places, uninsured motorists cause up to a third of all car accidents, so it is wise to pay the extra money and purchase this coverage. There is also an option for underinsured motorist coverage with most policies, which pays the difference if the damage caused by the person who hits you exceeds his or her liability limits.
Won’t My Health Insurance Pay May Bills?
With the recent shakeup in healthcare insurance coverage, gambling that your bills will be covered completely by your healthcare policy is not wise. Many policies have increased their deductibles tremendously as well as excluding some types of injuries or illnesses in order to keep costs down. While your health insurance may pay for an emergency room visit, the chances are that you will wind up with a large bill.
If you have questions about who is responsible for paying your injury costs, talk to Daniel M. Gilleon in San Diego today.
