After a truck accident, so many things go through your mind. Will I be okay? How will I get my car fixed? Can I take time off to recover?
These stressful questions are a lot to deal with, but one thing you should never have to worry about is whether you’ll be able to pay your medical bills, especially when your injuries are not your fault.
You May Have Multiple Sources of Compensation After a Truck Crash
After a truck crash, you can collect from multiple insurance policies, but it’s important to understand how these sources interact with each other and what your options are.
- The Other Driver’s Insurance: If the accident was at least 51% the fault of the other driver, you could be eligible to collect damages from their insurance policy.
- Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage: If the accident was primarily your fault, or the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you might need to rely on personal injury protection (if you purchased it in addition to your car insurance) to cover your medical bills.
- Your Medical Insurance: Your personal medical insurance, including Medicare, can be used to cover costs after an accident — although there are certain requirements.
Collecting Damages From the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If the accident was the other drivers’ fault, their insurance is required to cover the cost of your medical care. This includes:
- Medications
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
When you recover damages through the other driver’s insurance, the funds typically come in one lump sum. The insurance company will not pay for your bills as you incur them, and victims usually come to an agreement after most of the bills are accounted for — and your medical treatment is behind you. In this case, it’s important to communicate your situation with the hospital to prevent your unpaid bills from going to collections.
PIP Coverage for Oklahoma Truck Crash Victims
If the accident was your fault, you cannot collect damages from the other driver or their insurance policy. In this instance, you would want to rely on your Personal Injury Protection coverage or your health insurance to cover your bills. PIP policies can also come into play if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured.
PIP coverage is not required for drivers in Oklahoma, but we always encourage purchasing additional insurance whenever possible. It can mean the difference between a mountain of medical debt and the relief that comes from knowing your bills are covered.
RELATED ARTICLE: UM/UIM Insurance Can Protect You From Uninsured Motorists
Medical Insurance Could Help Cover the Costs of a Truck Accident
After a truck crash, the auto policy of the at-fault driver will be billed first. After that policy is exhausted, your medical insurance will begin to cover the costs. However, most insurance companies don’t want to cover costs for injuries that were not your fault. Typically, you will receive a letter inquiring about your injuries and crash, sometimes called a “subrogation letter.” If you’re not sure how to respond to this inquiry, contact your personal injury lawyer for help.
If you have Medicare, you can use this coverage to pay for your medical bills after a car crash. However, you must report your accident to Medicare and keep them updated with the details of your legal claim and medical care. When you settle your case, you are required to repay Medicare for the fees it covered while you pursued your claim.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Might Be Able to Help After a Truck Crash
Determining how your bills will be covered after a crash can be complicated and intimidating. Between contributory negligence questions and the challenges of filing claims with multiple insurance providers, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury as soon as you can. They can provide counsel on your best options after a crash and help you navigate the process of recovering the damages you need to live a full, healthy life.
Get Your Free Truck Crash Evaluation With AMA Law
At AMA Law, we understand that truck crashes are some of the most severe and traumatizing things you will ever go through, which is why we take great care to get to know our clients and understand their stories before taking on their case. The more we know, the more effective we are — and the more committed to fighting to recover every penny they’re owed.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash, please reach out today. Our skilled and experienced attorneys will review your case for free and suggest the best next steps for you and your family. Please call 405-758-5836 or complete this brief form to schedule your appointment today.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.