(877) 761-5059
Car wrecks can result in substantial medical bills for emergency and rehabilitative care. In Oklahoma, the driver who causes a car accident is responsible for covering the costs and losses associated with the collision. Their insurance should pay the injured party’s medical bills.
Pursuing compensation from the person responsible for a crash (or their car insurance company) can be difficult when you’re also dealing with the effects of your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you explore your options for pursuing compensation after a car accident.
How Do I Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault?
Under Oklahoma law, the driver primarily at fault for the collision is financially responsible for the resulting costs. If the other driver was at least 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company. However, their insurance company will want proof of liability. Here are the steps you should take toward proving the other driver was at fault:
- If you’re able, gather evidence at the scene. Use your phone to take pictures of the accident, vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and injuries.
- Save your dashcam recording if you have one.
- Get contact information from witnesses who describe what they saw or heard.
- Request a copy of the police report. This report usually includes valuable details about the crash and who might be at fault.
- Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer who can gather and review all the evidence, handle communications on your behalf, and build a compelling case.
What Do I Do If I Receive Bills Before the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Starts Paying?
Receiving medical bills before the at-fault driver’s insurance pays can be stressful. If you have bills but the other driver’s insurance hasn’t started paying, you can:
- Tell your healthcare providers that the bills relate to an ongoing insurance claim. They might agree to delay payments until you resolve the claim.
- Use your health insurance to cover immediate medical expenses. Remember that they will likely seek reimbursement once the car insurance company settles the claim.
- Keep a detailed record of all your medical bills and communications with insurance companies. This documentation will be essential for dealing with any disputes or delays in payment.
What If the Other Driver Did Not Have Insurance or Enough Coverage for All of My Medical Bills?
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, you still have options that will make it possible for you to pay your medical bills after a car accident. Your first approach should be to turn to your own insurance coverage. Your car accident attorney can help you understand what your policy does and does not cover. Several types of coverage can help in these situations, including:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can protect you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. If you have UM/UIM coverage, your insurance company will step in to cover your medical expenses up to the limits of your policy. This coverage can be a lifesaver, providing financial protection when the other driver’s insurance cannot.
MedPay Coverage
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage is another optional insurance that can help pay for medical bills resulting from a car accident. MedPay covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. It’s a valuable addition to your insurance policy, providing extra financial support for medical treatment after a crash. MedPay is optional in Oklahoma, so check your policy to see if you have this coverage.
Health Insurance
Your health insurance can be a helpful resource in covering your medical expenses after a car wreck. While auto insurance is the primary payer for accident-related injuries, health insurance can cover costs that exceed your policy limits. Inform your health insurance provider about the collision and coordinate with them to manage your health insurance coverage and claims process effectively.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
The expenses from a serious car accident can be considerable, especially if you require lengthy hospitalization, major surgery, or a stay in a rehab center. If the available insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover your medical expenses, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver provides another option for pursuing the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawsuit can help you demand compensation for:
- Past, ongoing, and anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost income, including loss of future earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Lost quality and enjoyment of life
- Property damage
An experienced car accident attorney will review the details of the collision, your medical bills, and all other evidence related to the crash to determine how much compensation you deserve. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit. This may be enough to get the insurance company to reconsider their offer. Most injury cases are resolved out of court. While insurers have considerable financial and legal resources, they often don’t want to go through a court battle.
Keep in mind that you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Oklahoma. This is one of many reasons why you should contact an attorney right away after a collision so they can begin building your case.
Contact an Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a car crash and managing medical bills can be overwhelming. An Oklahoma car accident lawyer can help you prove the other driver’s fault, deal with insurance companies, and explore all available paths for covering your medical expenses. At Edwards & Patterson Law, we focus on helping injured individuals get the money they need to move on after a collision. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers.
