Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Missouri?

Car accidents can lead to severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and long recovery periods. One of the biggest concerns victims face is figuring out who will cover their medical expenses. In Missouri, this responsibility typically falls on the at-fault driver and their insurance provider. However, the process of receiving compensation is not always immediate or straightforward.

Missouri is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the person responsible for causing the accident is legally required to cover the costs of property damage, medical treatment, and other losses incurred by the victim. While this rule seems simple, obtaining payment for medical bills can be complicated, especially when insurance companies get involved.

In some cases, accident victims may have to rely on their own insurance coverage or personal finances while waiting for a settlement. Understanding how different types of coverage work and what steps to take after a crash can help prevent financial hardship.

Will Insurance Cover Your Medical Expenses?

Several types of insurance may help cover medical bills following a car accident. These include both auto and health insurance policies, as well as additional optional coverage that some drivers carry. Below is a breakdown of common options:

1. Health Insurance

If you have health insurance, your policy can help pay for emergency care, surgeries, doctor visits, and rehabilitation. However, many health insurance providers require accident victims to pay out-of-pocket for deductibles and copays. Additionally, if your health insurance covers any portion of your medical bills, they may seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Medical Payments Coverage, or MedPay, is an optional add-on to Missouri auto insurance policies. If you have MedPay, it can help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. MedPay is beneficial because it allows for immediate payment of medical bills without waiting for an insurance claim or lawsuit to be resolved.

3. The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance

Missouri law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, which covers injuries and damages they cause in an accident. If another driver was responsible for your crash, their insurance should pay for your medical bills. However, this process can take time, as the insurance company will often conduct an investigation before approving a claim. In some cases, they may dispute liability or attempt to reduce the amount they pay.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

If the driver who caused the accident does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage to pay for your medical expenses, you may be able to use Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) from your own policy. Missouri requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, but UIM is optional.

5. Personal Payment or Payment Arrangements

Unfortunately, many accident victims must pay medical bills out-of-pocket while waiting for insurance claims to be processed. Some hospitals and healthcare providers offer payment plans, but it can still be financially stressful to cover these costs upfront.

What If the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Won’t Pay?

Even when it is clear that another driver caused the accident, their insurance company may try to delay or deny payment. Insurance providers are in the business of minimizing payouts, and they may use tactics such as:

• Arguing that your injuries existed before the accident.
• Claiming that your medical treatment was unnecessary or excessive.
• Shifting some of the blame onto you to reduce their liability.
• Delaying responses or offering a low settlement amount.

If you encounter difficulties with an insurance claim, consider taking these steps:

1. Gather Strong Evidence

Keeping detailed records of your medical treatment, accident reports, witness statements, and any communication with insurance companies can help strengthen your claim. Photos of the accident scene and your injuries can also be useful.

2. Avoid Accepting a Low Settlement Offer

Insurance companies may try to settle quickly with a low offer that does not fully cover medical expenses. Before accepting any settlement, it is wise to consult a legal professional to ensure you are receiving fair compensation.

3. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the insurance company refuses to pay a reasonable amount, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A successful lawsuit can provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Should You Sue for Medical Expenses After a Car Accident?

Filing a lawsuit is not always necessary, but in some cases, it may be the best way to secure compensation. If the insurance company is offering an unfair settlement or refusing to pay at all, legal action may be the only option. A lawsuit may be appropriate if:

• Your medical bills are significant, and insurance is not covering them adequately.
• The at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured.
• There is a dispute over who caused the accident.
• You suffered long-term or permanent injuries that impact your quality of life.

Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This means that victims have five years from the date of the crash to take legal action. However, it is best to start the process as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal claims can be overwhelming while recovering from injuries. A personal injury lawyer can assist by:

• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
• Gathering evidence and expert testimony to support your claim.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary to recover damages.
• Advising you on legal options to maximize your settlement.

Hiring an attorney can increase your chances of receiving full compensation and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.

Call Bert Fulk After a Car Accident

Medical bills after a car accident can add significant financial strain, but victims have multiple options for covering their expenses. Whether through insurance claims, personal injury lawsuits, or alternative coverage options, it is important to explore all available resources. The key is to act quickly, understand your rights, and seek legal guidance if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Missouri, contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.