subject: Getting Injury Claim Help After An Auto Accident [print this page] Millions of people suffer some type of injury in an auto accident and need to file an injury claim. Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to review what type of insurance coverage they have until after they are hurt. You should become informed about the type of coverage included in your auto insurance policy and understand the terms of the medical coverage.
An insured driver is often covered by personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage (MedPay) by their auto insurance company. Both types of coverage pay your medical bills if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. Protection is available in some states such as New York, New Jersey and Florida. MedPay is available in states such as Connecticut, Nevada and Oklahoma.
It usually covers your medical bills, and lost wages. PIP also covers the medical expenses of other passengers in your car. The limits of coverage and exactly what is covered varies with each state that has it. You should review your auto insurance policy to confirm if you have PIP and the terms of the coverage.
MedPay is another form of protection for an insured driver. States that do not offer PIP, tend to offer MedPay. MedPay covers medical expenses of the insured driver no matter who is at fault for the auto accident. MedPay also covers the medical expenses of any passengers in the insured driver's vehicle. This type of insurance coverage will pay any bills that are reasonably related to treating injuries sustained from the auto accident.
If you have reimbursable MedPay, you will have to pay your insurance company back for the expenses they paid to cover your medical treatment if you receive a settlement from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This will reduce the amount of money you directly receive in the settlement claim. If you have non-reimbursable MedPay, you do not have to pay your insurance company for medical expenses if you receive a settlement from the at-fault driver's insurance company.
There is also excess MedPay coverage. This type of insurance will only cover your medical bills if you prove you have no other form of health insurance that will cover your medical bills. This type of insurance is reimbursable. If you receive a settlement from the at-fault driver's company, then you will have to pay your company back for the medical expenses they paid for your treatment.
If you are involved in an auto accident, you should contact the police and file a police report at the scene of the accident, if possible. You should also contact the insurance company and file an accident report with them. The insurance representative will ask if you were injured and will set up a personal injury claim if you or any of your passengers were hurt. The representative will be able to explain the terms of your MedPay or PIP coverage. When you seek medical treatment, give the medical office your insurance information so that they know where to send your bills.
If you are hurt in an auto accident, you should retain copies of your medical records, retrieve a copy of the police report and keep track of any other documents related to the accident. These documents can help verify the extent of your injuries and can also help determine who is liable for the accident. Keeping these records can assist your insurance company in processing your claim and may help you if you decide to file a bodily injury claim.
by: Simon K Dunn
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