Car accidents often leave victims with serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention. While you have the right to seek compensation, settlements can take months to finalize. In the meantime, your health insurance can help cover your medical expenses. Below, our Manhattan, KS car accident lawyer explains how health insurance applies to car accident injuries and how insurers seek reimbursement.
Does Health Insurance Cover Car Accident Injuries?
Yes, most health insurance plans cover medical expenses related to car accidents, including:
- Employer-Sponsored Plans – Many people receive health insurance through their jobs, with employers covering part or all of the premiums.
- Medicare – A federal program providing coverage for individuals 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities.
- Medicaid – A state and federal program offering insurance to low-income individuals.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Plans – Insurance purchased through state exchanges, often with subsidies.
- Private Health Insurance – Some people opt for independent plans outside the ACA marketplace.
If you have health insurance, present your insurance card when seeking treatment and inform your doctor that your injuries resulted from a car accident.
Understanding Subrogation: Your Insurer’s Right to Reimbursement
While your health insurance will cover your medical bills, they have the right to subrogation, meaning they can seek reimbursement from your settlement.
For example, if you suffer whiplash in a rear-end collision and accrue $15,000 in medical expenses for tests, therapy, and follow-ups, your health insurer will require reimbursement from any settlement you receive. Your policy will outline this right, so it’s essential to factor in medical expenses when negotiating a settlement.
Why You Should Always Disclose Your Accident
Some car accident victims hesitate to tell their doctors they were in a crash, believing this will prevent their insurer from seeking reimbursement. However, insurance companies analyze claims closely, looking for common car accident injuries such as concussions, fractures, and whiplash. If they discover your injuries resulted from an accident, they will still pursue repayment.
Instead of hiding details, work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help maximize your compensation, ensuring you receive funds for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
A skilled attorney ensures that, even after medical expense reimbursement, you still receive a meaningful settlement to cover your losses.
Contact Pottroff & Karlin, LLC Today
With years of experience settling thousands of personal injury cases, our team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
