After a car accident in Rockwall, Texas, dealing with medical bills can be overwhelming. Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm is here to guide you through the options for covering these expenses. Understanding your rights and options is crucial whether it's through insurance claims or pursuing legal action. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how you can manage medical bills after a car accident in Texas.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
One of the first steps to consider is filing a claim with your own car insurance company for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. In Texas, auto insurance companies must offer at least $2,500 in PIP coverage with all auto insurance policies. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. If you have minor injuries, this might be sufficient to cover your medical costs. Note that you can decline PIP coverage by submitting a written request.
Additional Medical Payment Insurance
Policyholders may also purchase medical payment insurance (Med Pay), which is similar to PIP but does not cover lost wages. Med Pay can help cover medical bills regardless of fault.
Mandatory Liability Coverage
Texas is an “at-fault” state for car accident claims, meaning you can pursue legal action against the driver or party at fault. Texas law requires every driver to carry auto liability insurance with minimum policy limits of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Higher limits can be purchased for better coverage. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation.
Health Insurance
If your medical expenses exceed your PIP or Med Pay coverage, your health insurance may help cover the costs. This includes private health insurance, employer-provided insurance, or government programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Keep in mind that if you recover compensation from an at-fault driver, your health insurer might seek reimbursement for the expenses it covered.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, you can turn to your own uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage. This coverage can help pay for your losses if the other driver’s insurance doesn’t fully compensate you.
Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
You can also pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident. This often starts with an insurance claim but may lead to a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t reached. Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm can assist you in filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek reimbursement for your medical bills and other losses.
Proving Your Claim
To recover compensation, you need to prove the other driver’s fault. An experienced personal injury attorney from Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm can gather evidence such as:
Police crash reports
Accident scene photos and videos
Surveillance or traffic camera footage
Eyewitness accounts
Vehicle maintenance records
Expert testimony
Medical records, bills, and expert testimony from treating physicians can help establish the extent of your injuries and the necessary future medical care.
Get Legal Help from Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Rockwall, Texas, you don’t have to face the financial burden alone. Ashmore & Ashmore Law Firm is dedicated to helping you understand your rights and options for recovering the costs of your medical bills and rehabilitation. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in pursuing a financial recovery.
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