Who Is Responsible for Paying My Medical Bills From an Auto Accident?

Auto accidents can be damaging experiences for a large number of reasons. Those involved in an auto accident can face severe injuries and may be left with expensive medical bills as a result. If you’re a recent victim of an auto accident, you may be wondering if another party will be responsible for covering your medical expenses. Continue reading or contact a Darlington County, South Carolina Auto Accident Lawyer today to learn more about your options.

Who Pays My Medical Bills After an Auto Accident in South Carolina?

This depends on who is responsible for the auto accident. South Carolina is an “at-fault” state, which means that it matters who caused the accident when it comes to compensation for damages. When responding officers report to the scene of the accident, they probably will be able to determine who is at fault for the accident.

However, this does not mean that the driver who caused the accident will automatically pay for all the damages. The only way to legally obtain restitution from an at-fault driver is by filing a personal injury claim against them. Until a personal injury case is settled, you and your insurance will be responsible for your medical expenses. If you have personal injury protection (PIP) under your auto insurance, you will need to rely on that for coverage. If your auto insurance can’t cover all of the expenses, you may also use your health insurance to pay for the medical bills.

Should I File a Personal Injury Claim?

There’s a chance that your insurance may not cover all of your medical expenses. PIP doesn’t cover lost wages or disability after an accident. In order to earn more compensation, you’ll have to file a personal injury claim. If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to receive additional damages. You must be less than 50% responsible to win any compensation. You have a higher chance of obtaining restitution if you can prove in court that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. For example, if the other driver was texting while driving, this would be considered driver negligence. Unfortunately, it could take months for a personal injury case to be settled, so you’ll likely have to rely on your insurance for the time being.

If you think you may be eligible for compensation, you should consider speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options. James Law Office, LLC is here to help! Contact us today for an initial consultation.