Who Pays for My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Missouri?

Medical expenses can accumulate very quickly after a car accident. If the crash was someone else’s fault, you could pursue a personal injury claim against them that could help cover your expenses, but your claim may take time to resolve. Who pays for your car accident medical bills in the meantime?

Does Missouri Follow a Fault or No-Fault Insurance System?

Missouri follows a fault-based system for car accident claims. That means the Missouri auto liability insurance company covering a driver who causes a collision is responsible for paying for the expenses of someone harmed by their policyholder’s actions. In contrast, in a no-fault system, each driver’s expenses would be covered by their own respective insurers.

Will My Health Insurance Cover My Injuries After a Car Crash?

You can turn to your health insurance after a car accident to cover your medical treatment. That can be a good option if you do not want or are unable to pay out of pocket for your care and cannot wait for your injury claim to play out. 

You will still be responsible for any deductibles, co-pays, or care that falls outside your coverage. If you wind up receiving compensation through an injury claim, your insurer may seek reimbursement for the costs they have already paid toward your treatment.

What Happens If the Other Driver’s Insurance Delays Payment?

It is common for an at-fault driver’s insurance company to delay payment while it reviews your claim. They may dispute liability or question the extent of your injuries. During this time, you may need to rely on your health insurance or work out payment plans with your medical providers. Some providers may agree to treat you under a lien, meaning they will get paid from a future settlement rather than from you directly.

Do I Have to Reimburse My Health Insurance After a Settlement?

Yes, you will likely have to reimburse your health insurance provider if you receive a settlement. Many policy terms include language to that effect. The amount you will have to repay may depend on what the insurer paid for your care and whether your attorney can negotiate a lower amount.

What Is Subrogation in a Missouri Car Accident Case?

Subrogation is a process that allows an insurance company to recover money it paid for your medical care after an accident. If you receive compensation from the at-fault driver, your insurer may assert a claim to part of that recovery to repay what it covered on your behalf.

Should I Talk to a Lawyer Before Accepting an Insurance Settlement?

You should always secure legal representation before discussing settlements with an insurance company. Insurers have a financial incentive to pay out as little as possible to injured people. Initial settlement offers are often far less than you might be able to recover with the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

At Sumner Law Group, LLC, our injury attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and have secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for people in car accidents caused by other drivers. 

Contact us now for a free consultation to discuss your case with a skilled car accident lawyer and learn more about how we can help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve.