How to Get Compensation for Medical Bills After a Pennsylvania Car Accident

Car accidents can have life-changing consequences. Aside from the immediate physical injuries, you may also face mounting medical bills that put a strain on your finances. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important to know how to secure compensation for medical expenses.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Insurance Law

Pennsylvania follows a “no-fault” insurance system for car accidents. This means that after an accident, your own car insurance will typically cover your medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the crash. In Pennsylvania, you are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy.

Your PIP coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses up to the limits set by your policy. If you have the minimum required coverage, it may only cover up to $5,000 in medical bills. However, you can purchase higher coverage limits if needed.

Step 1: File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

After a car accident, the first step in getting compensation for medical bills is to file a claim with your insurance company. Even though Pennsylvania’s no-fault system means your own insurance covers the medical costs, it’s important to notify your insurer as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.

Provide them with all the necessary information, including:

Details of the accident (date, time, and location)
A police report, if available
Information about any injuries you sustained
Medical records and bills from your healthcare providers

Once the insurance company has the details, they will start processing your claim. Your PIP coverage should cover medical expenses up to the policy limit, but if your bills exceed that amount, you may need to explore other options.

Step 2: Look Into Health Insurance Coverage

In some cases, the PIP coverage may not be enough to cover all your medical expenses. If this happens, your health insurance may step in to cover the remaining costs. Health insurance providers often work with your auto insurance to ensure there is no double recovery for the same medical expenses.

However, keep in mind that health insurers may require you to reimburse them if you receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company in the future. This is called subrogation, and it’s something to be aware of as your case progresses.

Step 3: Consider Filing a Third-Party Claim

If your injuries were caused by another driver’s negligence or fault, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party liability claim. This claim is filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

In Pennsylvania, if your injuries are severe or if you have exceeded the coverage limits of your PIP, you may be able to file a claim for compensation beyond what your insurance covers. Common examples of situations that may warrant a third-party claim include:

Severe injuries that result in long-term medical treatment
Permanent disability or impairment
Significant loss of income

To file a third-party claim, you will need to show that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This typically requires evidence such as:

Police reports
Eyewitness statements
Traffic camera footage
Photos from the scene of the accident
Medical records

Once your attorney has gathered the necessary evidence, they can help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the insurance company offers a settlement, it may not fully cover your medical expenses, and you may need to take legal action to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Step 4: Consult With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating the claims process, especially when dealing with both PIP insurance and third-party claims, can be complex. Insurance companies may try to minimize the compensation you receive, and health insurers may try to collect payments from your settlement. Having a personal injury lawyer by your side can help ensure that your rights are protected.

A skilled personal injury lawyer will help you:

Understand your rights under Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance law
Evaluate the full extent of your injuries and medical expenses
Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
File a lawsuit if necessary

A lawyer can also assist you with the complicated task of managing both health insurance and auto insurance claims at the same time. Their expertise can ensure you do not miss out on any opportunities for compensation.

Step 5: Understand the Statute of Limitations

If you are pursuing a third-party claim, it’s important to keep in mind that there is a statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Pennsylvania. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the crash. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.

Make sure to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This way, you can ensure that your case is filed within the appropriate time limits.

Conclusion

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is challenging, especially when it comes to covering medical expenses. However, Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance system and the potential for third-party claims provide options for securing compensation for your medical bills.

Start by filing a claim with your insurance company, and if necessary, explore health insurance coverage or a third-party liability claim. Working with a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex process and maximize your compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to ensure your medical expenses are covered, and your rights are protected.