
How to Deal with Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Clarksburg, WV
A car accident in Clarksburg, WV, can be a life-altering event, leaving you not only with injuries but also the financial burden of medical expenses.
Understanding what to do after an accident can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’re worried about handling these expenses, our experienced Clarksburg car accident lawyers at The Miley Legal Group are ready to assist, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be.
Who Collects Your Medical Bills and Records?
A common question we receive is whether clients need to gather their own medical records and bills.
The good news is that we handle that process for you. We request records from all your medical providers, both before and after the accident, to build a complete picture of your medical condition. This comprehensive documentation is crucial when negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Unlike some other law firms that require clients to collect their own records, we take care of the legwork, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Clarksburg?
In West Virginia, the at-fault driver is legally responsible for covering all damages resulting from the crash.
But the thing is that their insurance provider won’t pay your medical bills right away, leaving injured individuals to find temporary solutions while awaiting a settlement.
You have the right to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other losses caused by another driver’s negligence. Even if the responsible driver faces legal consequences, you can still seek financial recovery through a personal injury claim.
Here are some options on how your medical bills are paid after a car accident in Clarksburg while your case is being resolved:
1. Using Your Health Insurance
If you have health insurance through your employer or a spouse’s employer, the best course of action is to submit your medical bills to your insurance provider. Some health insurance companies may claim they won’t cover expenses related to a car accident, but this is incorrect.
Your health insurance should still cover your medical expenses, and we can help ensure they fulfill their obligations. We can handle insurance company tactics to prevent delays, disputes, or denied claims—making sure you receive the full coverage you deserve.
2. Medical Payments Coverage Through Auto Insurance
Another potential source of financial assistance is medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay, which is part of your auto insurance policy. If you have this coverage, your auto insurance will pay for medical expenses up to the policy limit, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
One of the key advantages of MedPay is that it provides immediate financial relief, covering costs like ambulance fees, hospital visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation without requiring you to wait for a settlement. Unlike health insurance, MedPay does not require copays or deductibles, and in most cases, you won’t have to reimburse the insurer if you receive a settlement.
3. The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
When another driver is responsible for your accident, their insurance company is legally obligated to cover your medical expenses. But this process is rarely swift—claims can take months or even years to resolve, and insurers often attempt to minimize payouts, delay settlements, or dispute liability.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or has no coverage at all, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help bridge the gap. This optional protection, commonly included in West Virginia auto policies, ensures you aren’t left covering medical bills due to another driver’s lack of coverage.
What If You Don’t Have Health Insurance or MedPay?
If you don’t have health insurance or medical payments coverage, you might be wondering what options are available.
In this situation, our personal injury attorney can send a letter to your healthcare providers, including hospitals, doctors, and physical therapists, requesting that they hold off on sending your bills to collections until your case is resolved. Most medical providers in the Clarksburg area are willing to accommodate this request, especially when they know a personal injury claim is in progress.
Consult for Legal Assistance
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Clarksburg, WV, dealing with medical bills can be stressful. Our West Virginia car accident lawyers can help ensure that your bills are handled appropriately, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Call our personal injury law firm for free case review to help you secure a fair settlement. We’re here to make the process easier and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.