Handling Medical Expenses & Care After An Accident

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough without the added pressure of figuring out how to pay for your medical care. After an accident, the most important thing is your health, but for many victims, the mounting medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. At Jack Bailey Law Corporation, we help clients navigate these challenges every day.

Your top priority after a car accident should be your health. Even if you feel okay, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. Having a medical professional examine you not only protects your health but it also creates an official medical record that will be critical if you pursue compensation later.

Medical costs following a collision can pile up fast. Common expenses include:

• Emergency room visits
• Ambulance fees
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Surgery or hospitalization
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Follow-up appointments
• Medical devices (crutches, braces, wheelchairs)

These costs can easily run into thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. And when you’re out of work due to your injuries, paying these bills can feel impossible.

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Who pays medical bills in a car accident?” The answer depends on several factors, including the state you’re in, who was at fault, and what kind of insurance coverage is involved.

In Louisiana, the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is generally responsible for damages, including medical expenses. That means if another driver caused the crash, their insurance company is typically on the hook for your bills. However, this doesn’t mean they’ll pay right away.

Even if the other driver is clearly at fault, their insurance won’t start paying until liability is determined and a settlement is reached. This process can take weeks or even months. In the meantime, you may be responsible for paying your medical bills upfront. But don’t panic, there are several options to help cover costs in the short term:

• Health insurance – Your regular health insurance may cover accident-related treatment. However, your insurer may seek reimbursement from your settlement later.
• MedPay – If you carry Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage on your auto policy, it can help pay medical bills regardless of who was at fault.

Letters of protection (LOPs) – In some cases, your attorney can issue a Letter of Protection to your doctor, which promises payment once your case settles. This allows you to get treated without paying out of pocket right away.

Dealing with insurance companies, hospitals, and legal claims is a lot to handle when you’re trying to heal. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

At Jack Bailey Law Corporation, we understand the full scope of what you’re going through. We fight to make sure you receive the care you need without being buried under bills. We’ll:

• Investigate your accident to determine fault
• Work with your medical providers to manage bills and treatment
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
• Seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Our team is committed to making sure you’re not left holding the bag for someone else’s mistake.

The period after a car accident can feel like a whirlwind of appointments, paperwork, and financial uncertainty. But you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re struggling with medical expenses after a car accident, we’re here to help you understand who pays medical bills in a car accident and how to protect your rights every step of the way.

Jack Bailey Law Corporation has been helping accident victims in Louisiana for decades. We know how to deal with insurance companies and we don’t back down. If you’ve been injured and are worried about medical bills, call us today for a free consultation.