Can a Lawyer Get My Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident in VA?

Getting My Medical Bills Paid After a Car Accident in Virginia

Being involved in a car accident in Virginia can be a traumatic and difficult experience. Beyond the physical injuries you may have sustained, you also have to deal with insurance claims, medical bills, car repairs, lost wages from work, and more.

Our team of personal injury attorneys are resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable regarding your rights. To learn more about how we can help you, call Altizer Law today at 540.345.2000. 

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Virginia?

Some people wonder if hiring a personal injury lawyer is really necessary after a car crash. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you in many ways, including getting your medical bills paid. Some of the key benefits of working with a car accident lawyer in Virginia include:

• Negotiating with insurance companies - Car accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance adjusters and can often get larger settlements than individuals negotiating alone. They act as your advocate.

• Determining fault and liability - Accident lawyers will investigate your crash to prove the other driver was at fault and should cover your damages.

• Filing claims properly - There are strict deadlines and procedures for insurance claims after accidents. A car accident lawyer handles all required filings.

• Representing you in court - If a fair settlement can't be reached, a personal injury attorney can take the case to court and fight for maximum compensation.

So the skillset of an auto accident lawyer is extremely helpful for getting injury claims and bills paid.

Do I Have to Pay My Medical Bills From an Auto Accident Settlement in Virginia?

Any car accident settlement you receive should fully cover your medical bills related to the crash. However, how the settlement money gets distributed depends on whether the medical providers have placed liens on your case.

A lien means the doctor, hospital, or other provider has a legal right to part of your settlement payout. The liens ensure they get paid for the services rendered.

Your car accident lawyer will determine all liens that hospital networks, health insurance, and other parties have placed on your settlement. The lawyer will then work to negotiate down the lien amounts before dispersing funds from the settlement.

It’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney handle this process properly, so you don’t get stuck paying high medical bills out-of-pocket.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Medical Bills After a Virginia Car Crash?

Who ends up covering your medical costs after a car accident in Virginia depends on the circumstances and parties involved:

• At-fault driver - If the other driver caused the crash through negligence, their liability insurance should pay your medical claims and bills. Your car accident lawyer will file an injury claim against their policy.

• Your own auto insurance - Under your own policy's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, your insurer will initially pay medical costs related to the accident up to the policy limits, often $5,000-$10,000.

• Health insurance - Your health insurer may pay some medical bills, but they will seek reimbursement from the auto liability settlement.

• Underinsured motorist coverage - If the at-fault driver's policy limits are inadequate, this coverage from your own policy fills the gap for medical claims.

• Workers' compensation - If the crash happened during work, workers' comp should cover medical treatment. They may place a lien seeking repayment.

A personal injury lawyer will know how to properly involve each party and hold the at-fault driver fully accountable through their insurance.

What Kinds of Medical Costs Are Recoverable After a Virginia Auto Accident?

Virtually any medical costs related to treating your accident injuries should be included in a Virginia injury claim and lawsuit. Some common medical damages after a Virginia car crash include:

• Ambulance services and transportation

• Emergency room treatment

• Diagnostic tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs

• Medical equipment and supplies

• Prescription medications

• Surgeries and hospitalization

• Physical therapy

• Chiropractic treatment

• Massage therapy

• Psychological counseling

Keep careful records of all medical appointments, tests, prescriptions, mileage for visits, and expenses. Your lawyer needs this documentation to seek compensation. Any future anticipated medical costs can also be part of your settlement.

Steps to Getting Medical Bills Paid After an Auto Accident in Virginia

Here is the general process your car accident lawyer will follow to get your medical bills paid:

1. Gather evidence - Police reports, medical records, bills and invoices, lost wage documentation, etc.

2. Determine fault and liability - Pinpoint the negligent driver who caused the crash.

3. File an insurance claim - Submit the claim to the at-fault driver's auto insurer demanding compensation.

4. Negotiate the settlement - Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement covering all damages.

5. Pay outstanding medical bills - The lawyer will resolve any liens and distribute settlement funds to pay medical providers.

6. Reimburse your out-of-pocket costs - Remaining proceeds go to you to cover any bills already paid or other expenses.

7. Take legal action if needed - If the insurer denies the claim or won't offer a just settlement, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

Having an experienced car accident lawyer fight for you through this process can make all the difference in getting your bills covered.

5 FAQs About Medical Bills and Car Accident Claims in Virginia

1. Can I get a rental car covered while my car is repaired after an accident?

Yes, the at-fault driver should cover reasonable rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after the crash. Keep receipts to submit for reimbursement.

2. What if I don't have health insurance?

Your car accident lawyer can still make an injury claim against the negligent driver's auto policy. Lack of health insurance does not prevent you from recovering damages.

3. Am I entitled to compensation for missed wages due to accident injuries?

Yes, any lost income due to missing work for medical appointments or recovery time should be included in your accident claim. Provide pay stubs, HR records, and a doctor's note.

4. Can I still get my medical bills paid if I was partly at fault?

Virginia follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. But your compensation may get reduced by your percentage of fault.

5. What medical records will I need to provide?

Your lawyer will need all hospital and doctor records, notes, test results, physical therapy records, pharmacy receipts, and any other files related to diagnosis and treatment of your accident injuries.

Selecting a Personal Injury Attorney

After being injured in a Virginia auto accident, never assume you are responsible for paying enormous medical bills yourself. An experienced personal injury attorney can help fully cover your medical costs by obtaining a fair settlement or court award from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This provides immense financial relief so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

Altizer Law has guided clients through their personal injury cases with a personalized touch. We are here to help you and treat every client with the utmost care and empathy. Call our team of experienced attorneys today at 540.345.2000.