Accidents happen all the time, and when they do, they can be life-changing. Accidents can cause injuries that require medical attention, lead to lost wages as a result of missed workdays, and have other consequences that may affect your quality of life. When the accident is caused by someone else, the question of who pays for the associated costs arises. In this blog, we examine whether insurance companies are required to pay medical bills and lost wages.
When accidents happen, it is a common misconception that the at-fault party’s insurance company automatically pays for the injured person’s medical bills and lost wages. This is not true. The insurance company for the person who caused the accident is only required to pay the bills and wages if there is a settlement or verdict. In other words, the injured person must take legal action to receive compensation. It is important to note that this is only applicable in circumstances where the at-fault party is insured. If they are not insured, the injured would have to rely solely on their personal insurance policy.
As an injured person, it is critical to obtain treatment and benefits through your own or personal insurance policy. The treatment process allows for proper documentation, which could be used in legal proceedings to seek compensation. If unable to pay for the medical bills and lost wages, more often than not, the injured party’s insurer would advance payment but recover the expenses from any future settlement or verdict.
When contacted by the at-fault party’s insurer, it is vital to be careful not to sign or speak about the incident in any way that implies acceptance or waives any rights. The at-fault party’s insurer would likely want to deny any payment or responsibility for future consequences. Hence, it is advisable to have an attorney before directly interacting with the at-fault insurer or accepting any settlement offers that could be inadequate.
In essence, the injured should be proactive in obtaining treatment and other benefits from their insurance policies to alleviate some of the immediate financial consequences of the accident. The next steps involve legal proceedings that can be complicated and stressful. An experienced attorney could assist in navigating the sometimes-complex process and ensure that justice is served.
In summary, insurance companies are not automatically required to pay medical bills and lost wages resulting from accidents. It is critical to obtain treatment and benefits through personal insurance policies and be careful when dealing with the at-fault party’s insurer. With competent legal representation, an injured person can seek the compensation they deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other life-altering consequences. Remember, proper documentation and legal guidance are crucial in determining the extent of compensation due. Do not hesitate to seek counsel when involved in an accident.
