After a car accident, medical bills can start piling up faster than most people expect, and in South Carolina, many drivers are left wondering whether their health insurance will cover these costs or if they’ll be forced to rely on auto insurance instead.
Understanding how your coverage works can make a big difference in both your finances and your recovery. In this blog, we’ll walk through when health insurance applies, when auto insurance takes priority, and how fault plays a role in paying for your care.
At Armada Law in Greenville, SC, we help guide accident victims through this difficult and complicated process and provide the legal insight needed to navigate their insurance coverage after a crash.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the party responsible for causing a collision is liable for any resulting injuries. Therefore, if another driver caused an accident that led to your injuries, they are responsible for your medical treatment.
Proving another driver or party caused the car accident can take time. While your legal case is in progress, you may need to cover medical expenses through your health insurance or out-of-pocket. Once your personal injury claim is successful, you and your health insurance company can seek reimbursement from the liable party.
Does My Health Insurance Cover Injuries from a Car Wreck?
After a car accident, your health insurance should cover your injuries, but policies can vary. For instance, you might have out-of-pocket costs or a deductible you’re required to meet. Carefully review your policy to understand what’s covered if you’re injured in an accident.
On the bright side, there are other options available to help cover medical bills. For example, if you have Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage with your auto insurance, it can cover your medical expenses up to the policy limits, regardless of fault. MedPay is generally a valuable addition to your policy.
Most health insurance policies contain a clause specifying that “any payment made in relation to a bodily injury claim must be repaid if proceeds are collected from a liability insurer.” This means that your health insurance company likely has a legal right to recover some or all of the money it has paid out.
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Car Accident-Related Medical Expenses
Medical bills from a car accident can add extra stress on top of an already stressful situation. Our personal injury lawyers at Armada Law work to make sure the at-fault parties fairly compensate you.
Our lawyers typically start by collecting your medical bills to demonstrate how much you have paid. They may also collect medical records to link them to the collision. Eligible medical expenses in a car accident claim include:
- The cost of a hospital stay
- Prescription drugs
- Ambulance rides
- Doctor’s visits
- Physical Therapy
Your Right to Compensation After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your recovery and future well-being. This goes beyond just medical expenses. You can claim various types of damages, including:
- Lost wages and earning capacity: If your injuries keep you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for lost income and any diminished ability to earn in the future.
- Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage covers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a direct result of the accident.
- Property damage: You can receive compensation for repairs or the replacement of your vehicle, along with any other personal belongings damaged in the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries hinder you from participating in your hobbies and daily activities, you may be compensated for this loss.
Protect Your Health and Finances After a Car Accident with Armada Law
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure whether your South Carolina health insurance will cover your injuries or if auto insurance is responsible. Understanding how coverage works is key to avoiding unexpected medical debt and protecting your recovery.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, or Spartanburg, SC, the team of car accident lawyers at Armada Law is here to help. Our attorneys provide trusted legal guidance, explain your insurance options, and fight to safeguard your financial and physical well-being.
Don’t face the insurance companies alone – get the answers you need today. Call Armada Law in Greenville, SC, for a free consultation or contact us online to learn how we can help you after a car accident.
