Does Health Insurance Cover Auto Accidents?

The National Safety Council (NSC) found that a staggering 5.4 million crashes required medical assistance in 2021. Car accidents can leave physical, emotional, and financial scars that last a lifetime. If you or a loved one is affected, you may wonder whether your health insurance covers auto accidents, especially if you have sky-high medical costs.

The good news is that your health insurance likely pays for medical expenses from car crash injuries. You could have other options, like personal injury protection insurance (PIP) or medical payments coverage (MedPay). Moreover, if someone caused your accident, you could qualify for a settlement covering your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

We understand that the time after an accident can feel overwhelming and stressful. However, learning about your rights is critical when you are hurt. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced car accident lawyers are here to help you understand your next best steps after a car crash. Contact us now to get help in a free case review.

Understanding Health Insurance Coverage in Auto Accidents

Even if another is responsible for your car accident, medical bills are, first and foremost, your responsibility. While private health insurance generally covers auto accident medical bills, the extent of coverage depends on your insurance policy and state laws, among other factors. Generally, health insurance plans cover costs such as:

• Emergency or urgent care visits
• Hospitalization
• Medical devices
• Medications
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation

However, since private plans can vary considerably, contact your health insurance provider promptly to determine your coverage when you are injured.

Types of Health Insurance Coverage

Several types of health insurance coverage may cover your medical expenses if you get hurt in a crash, such as:  

• An employer’s health insurance plan
• Your private health insurance
• Medicaid, if you are eligible
• Medicare if you are over 65 or disabled

Out-of-Pocket Costs

While it is likely that your health insurance covers auto accident medical expenses, you may incur considerable out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, co-payments, or co-insurance. Your health insurance policy may also stipulate coverage limits for specific treatments or procedures, leaving you to pay for any excess medical expenses.

What if Another Driver Is At-Fault for the Accident?

If another party caused your crash, you could recover damages from their insurance company, including compensation for medical expenses and other losses. However, receiving a settlement takes time; you could wait months or even years to get your due. In the meantime, use your health insurance to cover medical expenses. Note that your insurer has the right to recover some of the money it pays for your medical expenses from your settlement.

Since medical coverage may vary and since you could incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses, it is vital that you receive full and fair compensation if another caused your accident. Morgan & Morgan can help you navigate the complex insurance laws and fight for what you need to get back on your feet physically and financially after a car accident.

Auto Insurance May Also Cover Your Medical Bills

Your car insurer can play an essential role when determining whether health insurance covers auto accident injuries. If you suffer minor or moderate injuries, your car policy may cover all your medical expenses, which can be helpful if you don’t have private health insurance. Moreover, even if you are severely injured, you may have to claim with the car insurer before your health insurance kicks in, which typically occurs when the funds are exhausted. Depending on where you live, you could have several options, such as:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP coverage pays for car accident-related medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs. However, you may need more than PIP insurance coverage if you have a severe or life-changing injury.

Medical Payments (MedPay): MedPay coverage, while similar to PIP, is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy in most states. Like PIP, it covers the healthcare costs of you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the crash.

Liability Insurance: Most states require drivers to carry liability insurance. If you are responsible for an accident, it covers the other party’s medical expenses and financial losses.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: UM/UIM is another optional add-on that can help pay for your medical expenses if you are involved in a collision with an uninsured driver.

For those who do not have private health insurance, a good car insurance policy can be a lifeline. Make sure to consult with your insurance provider if you need clarification regarding your coverage.

Consider getting a car accident attorney on your side, especially if you are significantly hurt. Insurance companies would rather not pay you, and you could have a battle on your hands getting the compensation you deserve. A tenacious car accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan can communicate with the insurer, protect you from attempts to deny or reduce your claim, and ensure you are treated fairly.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Morgan & Morgan can compassionately guide car accident victims through the legal process. Here are some of the ways we could help you:

Navigating the Accident’s Aftermath

The days and weeks after a car accident can be a painful and stressful blur for victims. You may be navigating medical appointments and treatments, handling complex insurance paperwork, repairing or replacing your car, and reorganizing your work affairs. A Morgan & Morgan car accident attorney can have your back during this exhausting time and handle all legal and insurance aspects of the crash, leaving you free to heal and sort your affairs.

Establishing Liability

If you were not responsible for the collision, you need to establish liability to hold the at-fault party accountable. An attorney can gather the evidence necessary, such as police reports, witness statements, and photographs, and build a solid case against the at-fault party.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Whether you are dealing with an obstinate insurance company or want to file a lawsuit against the responsible party, an attorney can fight for the full worth of your claim. Morgan & Morgan believes that accident victims should never settle for less than they deserve. We can assess an injury’s impact on your career, home life, and life quality to determine fair compensation.

Our experienced trial attorneys fight tooth and nail for clients, whether in settlement negotiations or at trial. We want you to recover the settlement or verdict you need to put your life back together and confidently face the future. You don’t pay a dime upfront when you work with us, as we only get paid if and when you win and recover compensation.

What if I’m Injured and Don’t Have Health Insurance?

If you lack private health insurance, you may have to pay your healthcare expenses out of your own pocket. However, you should contact your car insurer and discuss your policy, as you may qualify for a payout. If you don’t have adequate car insurance coverage, you could have the following options:

• Finding medical providers who agree to a medical lien and delay billing until your personal injury claim is resolved
• Taking out a medical loan
• Asking friends and family for help  

An attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you pursue compensation and explore all available options for getting your medical bills paid, including filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

Do I Have to Pay Back My Health Insurer?

If your health insurance covered the auto accident, and you later receive an insurance settlement from the at-fault party’s insurer or win a lawsuit, your provider may seek reimbursement for medical expenses paid on your behalf. This process is known as subrogation and allows the insurer to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company via your settlement.

Having an attorney by your side can be critical if your insurer approaches you and requests subrogation. A Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer can negotiate to reduce the amount you owe in subrogation. For example, they could argue that some medical expenses were unrelated to the car accident or that the amount requested is excessive, helping you keep as much of your money as possible.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You should speak to an attorney to protect your rights if you or a loved one suffered a significant injury in a crash. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner can be essential for getting the compensation you need to pay for your medical expenses and other accident-related bills. Also, consider hiring a lawyer if:

• You have steep medical bills and other high damages
• You have some fault in the accident
• The insurance company denied, delayed, or reduced your claim
• You have lost a considerable amount of income due to the crash injuries
• A loved one passed away in the collision
• You don’t know your legal rights and options

While you may not need to hire a lawyer for your case, consider getting legal advice. Morgan & Morgan offers free consultations to help you understand your rights and options.

Will My Health Insurance Pay for Treatment of a Pre-Existing Condition Aggravated by the Accident?

Health insurance should cover medical expenses from a pre-existing condition worsened in an auto accident. However, reviewing your policy and understanding the applicable limitations or exclusions can be essential. Some policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions altogether, while others may limit coverage.

If another caused the collision, you could pursue a personal injury claim and recover damages for worsening your pre-existing condition. A car accident at Morgan & Morgan can walk you through your options and help you seek fair compensation.

What Should I Do if an Insurance Company Minimized or Denied My Claim?

Unfortunately, it is common for insurers to deny claims and give claimants the runaround. Don’t give up if your insurer is digging its heels in. Stay persistent, advocate for yourself, and hire legal representation to help you fight for the settlement you deserve. Here’s what you can do:

Review Your Policy

Review your policy meticulously to understand its terms and conditions. If you work with an attorney, they can review your policy, helping you understand what is covered.

Contact the Insurance Company

Reach out to your insurance company to clarify why it denied or minimized your claim. If the insurer has not provided you with a written statement, ask them to explain your policy’s specific terms or conditions supporting their decision. Even better: ask your attorney to handle all communication with the insurance company to protect your rights.

Document All Communication

Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and letters. Always note the name of the person you spoke to, the date and time, and a conversation summary.

Hire an Attorney

If you are not working with an attorney already, now is the time to hire one. They can provide legal guidance and negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Hiring an attorney also signals to the insurer that you are intent on getting what you deserve.

In some cases, insurers refuse a fair settlement “in bad faith.” This is illegal, and an attorney can help you sue the insurance company and, if successful, recover damages in addition to your original claim.

Morgan & Morgan Helps Victims Recover Fair Damages 

While your health insurance may cover auto accident injuries, consider getting legal help if you are severely hurt. You could be entitled to much more than medical bills, including damages for pain and suffering, income loss, and others.

Morgan & Morgan has helped thousands of injured car accident victims and recovered over $20 billion in damages. If you are looking for justice and compensation, don’t struggle alone. Get America’s biggest injury firm on your side today and contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.