How Are Medical Expenses Paid for Car Accident Injuries | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

When a person is involved in a car crash, it can be a fairly overwhelming and frightening experience. This can be made even worse if the person suffered some type of injury in the crash. Even what may appear to be a minor injury can cause many problems in the victim’s life.

When the accident was caused by another driver, the victim can pursue a car accident claim against that at-fault driver for financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and other losses their injuries have caused.

Knowing what to do when a car accident happens can help the personal injury claim process proceed. Having a Virginia car accident attorney representing you in this process will make it more difficult for the insurance company to manipulate the facts of the accident in an attempt to reduce or deny you the damages you may be entitled to.

Questions about Medical Treatment for Car Accident Injuries

What happens if injury symptoms don’t show up immediately?

It is not uncommon for a car accident victim to not realize they have been injured. There are many types of injuries, such as whiplash, that can have delayed symptoms, not showing up days or weeks after the crash. This is why it is critical for car accident victims to seek medical care immediately following the accident to have a doctor evaluate and diagnose whether they have been injured and what the best course of treatment may be.

What if the injuries will require future treatments?

Under Virginia’s car accident law, not only are victims entitled to have their past and current medical costs covered, but any treatments required in the future, such as surgeries, physical therapy, and medication, can also be included in the car accident claim settlement or award.

What policy should the medical claim be filed under?

Usually, when you visit your doctor, a claim is filed under your own personal health insurance policy. If you are injured in a car accident, however, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will ultimately be responsible for the cost of those treatments. The dilemma many victims face is that car accident claims often take some time to settle, but in the meantime, medical treatment is needed and bills pile up. Options can include having these expenses covered by your own health insurance provider and seeking reimbursement for those expenses in your car accident claim. Typically, Virginia law does not allow for subrogation in these situations (where your health insurance company is reimbursed for the medical costs they covered for your injuries), but this can be a gray area depending on what type of health care coverage you have. Your Virginia car accident attorney can examine your situation and let you know exactly how this law will apply in your situation.

Contact a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Attorney with Our Firm for Assistance

A Virginia car accident attorney understands that when a person is injured in a car accident, it can often be a confusing and overwhelming time. Not only are you dealing with the pain and recovery of the injuries, but you also may be dealing with financial issues, worried how you will pay the medical bills for your treatment and the income you are losing from being unable to work.

We have been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled Virginia car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call us today at (833) 997-1774 for a free case evaluation.

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