Car accidents happen every day in the USA- many of them resulting in injuries to one or more drivers. Even with health insurance, paying medical bills can leave a person in significant debt- but there are sometimes ways to claim for those expenses as a car crash victim.
The various ways to claim compensation and pay-outs to cover medical costs depend on the situation- but a professional car accident lawyer can help find the best course of action.
Who Is Liable for Medical Bills and Related Expenses in a Tennessee Car Accident Personal Injury Claim?
Tennessee is a fault state- meaning the person who caused the car crash is liable to pay medical bills for the victims. Usually, the at-fault party's insurance company covers the costs in accordance with the driver's liability insurance.
The law in Tennessee states that all drivers must have liability insurance in case of a car crash. It exists to help in these exact situations- when someone is harmed and faces costly medical bills.
As far as exactly who is liable goes, it differs from case to case. It is often clear who is at fault- be it a drunk or reckless driver, or someone who otherwise failed to perform their duty of care as a road user. Victims and their legal teams must be able to prove this failure to make a claim against the person's insurance company. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can advise on what to do after a car accident in Tennessee.
What If the Victim's Own Health Insurance Covers the Costs?
Sometimes, the victim's own health insurance is sufficient to cover the costs of their medical bills- but can they still claim against the at-fault driver? In Tennessee, the answer is usually yes.
Unless the person has extremely good health insurance, they are likely to have a deductible- meaning a minimum expenditure before the insurance comes into play. This can still be a lot of money- money that victims should not have to spend.
Any medical bills paid out of pocket can be claimed back from the driver responsible for the car accident. An attorney can help make sure victims are not left with the bill when all is said and done.
What If the Accident Was Nobody Else's Fault?
Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay coverage) is available as an optional car insurance inclusion that pays out up to $5000 in the event of a car wreck or accident. It is a no-fault policy- meaning it doesn't matter who caused the accident.
Bear in mind, however, that MedPay should be paid back- it only provides temporary relief. An at-fault driver must cover their medical bills using their health insurance, and should pay for any further charges themselves.
What Can Be Claimed as Medical Expenses After a Car Crash Injury?
All medical costs that result from injuries sustained in a car accident can be claimed as part of a personal injury lawsuit. These include:
Emergency care and ambulance costs
Hospital bills
Follow-up care
Prescriptions
Physical therapy
Operations and surgeries
Victims can also claim costs incurred traveling to and from the hospital and any subsequent doctor appointments. Parking costs at the hospital are also included.
It is important to remember that medical bills are only one element of a personal injury claim- victims can also seek compensation for their pain and suffering- a.k.a. the impacts the accident has that do not come with a price tag.
How to Claim Medical Expenses After a Car Accident in Tennessee
Anyone involved in an auto accident that was not their fault should seek legal guidance when seeking payment for medical expenses. There are two possible paths: claiming from the responsible driver's insurance company, or claiming from your own.
In Tennessee, victims should always go through the at-fault party's insurance first. Only if they are uninsured (which is against the law) can they then turn to their own insurance policy.
To make a claim after a car accident, the victim must present proof of the incident, the negligence that caused it, and the expenses incurred. Most insurance companies will try to limit how much they have to pay- and may even reject a claim if there is not enough evidence.
In this case, a lawsuit must be filed- at which point legal teams go head to head to prove fault and make it impossible for the insurance companies to escape the responsibility of paying medical bills.
The ideal outcome of a car accident personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee is a settlement. A settlement is an amount of money paid to the victim without having to go to court. It is agreed between the responsible insurance provider and the victim (through their legal representation).
Why Contact a Tennessee Car Accident Personal Injury Attorney?
In many cases, a personal injury claim settles faster and with more compensation when the victim has the help of professional legal counsel. Securing a fair settlement is not always straightforward- there is usually some degree of negotiation involved. Going through that alone is exceptionally difficult- especially when insurance lawyers send lowball offers or refuse to accept responsibility.
A Tennessee car accident attorney takes the lead in negotiations- helping gather evidence, collect bills, and advise victims on how much they can claim. They can also help secure more compensation for victims and their families by pursuing pain and suffering damages. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can answer other questions such as, "Can you go to jail for a car accident in Tennessee?"
Let Shuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Go to War for You
Speak to a dedicated and experienced personal injury attorney at Shuerger Shunnarah today. They go to war for you to secure the maximum compensation and repayment of medical bills after suffering an injury in a car accident.
Recovering from such a traumatic event is pressure enough- let a team who cares about the pursuit of justice for every client take the lead in getting the compensation the victim deserves.
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