Every expense can feel like another weight on your shoulders when you’re financially struggling. This can become even more burdensome for those involved in auto accidents, as the medical bills can pile up. You shouldn’t be left to shoulder the burden of paying your medical bills, especially if you were not at fault for the accident. If you’ve been injured in an accident and want to ensure your medical payments are correctly handled, keep reading to learn how a Chesterfield County auto accident lawyer can help.
How Is Fault Determined in Auto Accidents?
Before looking into who can be responsible for paying medical bills after an accident, it’s essential to consider the facts of the collision. For example, looking at where the car was struck is generally a good indicator of fault. If a vehicle was struck on the passenger side by another car’s front bumper, responsibility for the accident is clear.
In other cases, it may not be as clear. This is then the responsibility of the police officers to gather evidence so the insurance adjusters to determine who caused the accident. However, this doesn’t always happen, making it crucial to collect your own proof. This includes videos, photos, security footage, and witness statements to help prove you were not at fault.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for My Bills?
In many cases, the negligent driver will not be responsible for ongoing medical bills until you have settled. This means you will be required to pay for treatment through your insurance and then submit your complete medical records as part of the demands package.
However, once you finish your medical treatment, the negligent driver will be held responsible for repaying your bills. This is because South Carolina is an “at fault” state, meaning whoever is determined at fault for the collision is liable for damages.
If you are found partially at fault, you could be responsible for a portion of the damages. For example, if your medical bills totaled $100,000 and you were found 15% at fault, you would be liable for $15,000 worth of the bills.
What Happens if I Have No Insurance?
If you have no insurance, it can be challenging to receive treatment. This means you may delay treatment until after you receive a settlement, in which case your injuries can worsen, as settlements take a long time.
However, you can ask for a medical lien. This essentially ensures that the healthcare providers responsible for your treatment will receive payment from your settlement. However, this can be an intensive process, so discussing with an attorney before making the decision is essential.
If you’ve been injured at the hands of a negligent driver, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Reach out to the Cockrell Law Firm, as we can help fight to ensure you can receive the justice you deserve.
