Does My Health Insurance Cover Me After a Car Accident?
Car accidents can be devastating events that upend not just your day, but months of your life as you recover. Many Californians are one major medical event away from poverty, so a car accident that results in a hospitalization is a terrifying prospect for thousands. Luckily, with health insurance, your bills don’t have to be quite so high. That said, even with health insurance, coverage can vary and bills can still be astronomical, depending on the severity of your injuries and what kind of health coverage you have.
What Kind of Injuries Are Most Common After Car Accidents?
Car accidents can happen in a variety of ways and for many reasons. Because of this, the injuries that may occur are also extremely varied. However, the car accident attorneys at BD&J have had more than 20 years of experience pursuing justice and compensation for car accident victims and have seen these injuries time and again:
- Broken bones
- Bruises, abrasions, and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burn injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Muscle and tendon tears
Are There Any Injuries Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover?
Every health insurance provider is unique and offers differing coverage. Even within the same provider, individuals may receive different coverage types based on factors such as prior conditions, risky behavior, or their plan options through their employer. While you should always check your policy to make sure your injuries are covered after your car accident in California, many insurance providers do not cover injuries incurred from risky activities like skydiving, mountain climbing, or racing.
How Do I Know If Treatment or Procedures Are Covered?
If you aren’t sure if a treatment or procedure is covered during your car accident recovery, always call your health insurance company to double check. Some medical professionals will be able to run your insurance and give an estimate of your coverage, but your health insurance company will be able to identify the exact amounts that may or may not be covered. They can also offer in-network options that work with your plan or be a sounding board if they aren’t sure your procedure or treatment is necessary. Remember: health insurance companies are not doctors, so just because a treatment was denied as “unnecessary” or “elective”, doesn’t mean you and your doctor can’t advocate for your care to get coverage for a very needed procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a car accident lawyer help me understand my health insurance coverage?
Unfortunately, California car accident attorneys are not experts on your specific health insurance or your employer benefits. If you have questions regarding your specific coverage, call your health insurance company or contact your human resources department through your employer. A car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights to claim compensation for your out-of-pocket costs associated with your car accident.
How do I know if a procedure is necessary?
Your doctor will help you understand your treatment and medical needs as you recover. If your health insurance provider does not deem your treatment necessary and refuses to cover it, your doctor can help make your case to your health insurance.
Can a car accident claim help me be compensated for medical bills?
Yes! Car accident claims are your way of holding negligent drivers responsible for causing the car accident that resulted in your injuries. These lawsuits will demand compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more!
How do I know if I have a car accident case?
The best way to know if you have a car accident case is by consulting with a car accident attorney near you. California car accident lawyers understand the intricacies of liability in a wide variety of car accident situations and can help you collect evidence, determine liability, and pursue compensation aggressively so you can fully recover.
What else can I be compensated for in a car accident lawsuit?
Beyond medical bills, a car accident attorney will aggressively negotiate for repayment of property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, therapy bills, and even loss of enjoyment of life if the injuries impede your ability to function independently. Schedule a free consultation with a skilled California car accident lawyer at BD&J to determine which avenues of compensation you may qualify for.
How to Work with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in California
For many California residents, working with an attorney can feel intimidating and strange. Luckily, if you find a kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable advocate, you can trust that they will guide you through every step of the process. Follow these steps to understand how to be prepared for your meeting with a BD&J attorney.
- Collect documentation. It’ll be difficult to prove a negligent party caused your injury without the right evidence to support your claim. That’s why you should come to your first meeting with a car accident attorney armed with all the evidence you have and a clear account of the accident. This evidence may include photos, eyewitness statements, police reports, and more. Need help collecting evidence? Your attorney can help you collect the relevant information needed for a successful claim.
- Be honest. Yes, even if it makes you look bad in some way. Your car accident lawyer is there to help assess your damages and obtain justice on your behalf, not judge you. If you made a mistake that helped contribute to the accident, let your attorney know. In California, you can still collect compensation!
- Stay in contact with your car accident lawyer. When the process of filing a claim begins, your car accident attorney may need further information to draft their demand letter. Make sure your attorney has accurate contact information for you and you respond to requests from your lawyer as soon as you can. This ensures you have the best chance of success.
Win Your Car Accident Lawsuit to Get Your Life Back on Track
Partnering with the California car accident attorneys that fearlessly go toe-to-toe with insurance companies can be the difference between full recovery and thousands of dollars of debt. Let BD&J help you fight for your rights following a car accident. We’ve proudly claimed more than $2 billion* in compensation for clients just like you. If you were injured, contact our team today for schedule a free consultation.
