The aftermath of a traffic crash is overwhelming, from trying to get your vehicle fixed and stressing about missing work to coping with the serious, life-changing injuries that often accompany a car accident. If you’ve been in a collision you didn’t cause, you may have legal grounds to demand compensation for your losses from the other driver. While their insurance company may offer a pittance of a settlement, a skilled Fairfield, CT, car accident lawyer can help ensure that your interests are protected and that you secure a full and fair settlement for your losses.
That’s where we come in. The experienced legal team from Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C., works with clients just like you across Connecticut. We can negotiate a fair settlement for you or take the other party to trial in order to ensure your interests are protected. Call us today for a free consultation.
What Does A Fairfield Car Accident Lawyer Do?
Car accident lawyers help people who have been hurt after a car wreck, building a case for compensation on behalf of their clients. This may involve investigating the wreck, gathering evidence to show that the at-fault driver may have been on their phone at the time of the wreck, was flouting traffic laws, or otherwise acting negligently. Your lawyer may negotiate with the other party’s insurance company for a better settlement than their initial offer or file a lawsuit for compensatory damages against the other driver.
Your lawyer is your legal advocate and representative. Many handle all communication with the other party so you can rest stress-free and focus on healing. Your lawyer also handles all the paperwork and legal motions needed to advance your claim. If your lawyer cannot negotiate a fair settlement with the other party, then they can take your case to trial.
Fighting For Your Rights After You’ve Been Hurt
Insurance companies make money by not paying large settlements. The other driver’s carrier will likely offer a pittance, contesting their client’s liability or minimizing how badly you’re injured. Your car accident attorney’s role is protecting you and fighting for a higher amount.
Other parties, not just the other driver, may be contributing to the crash. For example, one of the cars may have malfunctioned, causing the driver to lose control and crash. In this case, your lawyer may name the car manufacturer as a defendant in your claim or a mechanic who improperly performed the repair. As your lawyer investigates the cause of the crash, details like these may emerge, changing your case.
Do You Need Help After A Car Accident?
We take the time to thoroughly investigate the cause of your crash and properly value your case to ensure that it covers all your necessary medical care, repairing and replacing your vehicle, and lost wages from time missed at work. At Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C., we offer a complimentary case review with an experienced Fairfield car accident lawyer, so call today to talk to us!
Who Pays Medical Bills After A Car Accident?
Car Accident Medical Bills
After a car accident, dealing with medical bills can be overwhelming and confusing. Understanding who is responsible for paying these bills can help you navigate this stressful time more effectively. Here’s a comprehensive guide by a Fairfield, CT car accident lawyer from Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C. to help you understand who pays your medical bills after a car accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
In no-fault states, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance plays a crucial role. PIP coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, regardless of who caused the accident. If you live in a no-fault state, your PIP insurance will typically cover your medical bills up to the policy limit. This ensures that you receive immediate medical attention without waiting to determine fault.
Health Insurance
If your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage or if you don’t have PIP insurance, your health insurance can help cover the costs. After seeking medical treatment, your healthcare providers will bill your health insurance company. It’s important to keep track of all medical expenses and ensure that your health insurance is billed promptly. However, be aware that your health insurance may require reimbursement if you receive a settlement from an auto insurance claim.
MedPay Insurance
Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that can help pay for medical expenses resulting from a car accident. Like PIP, MedPay covers medical bills regardless of fault. MedPay can be particularly useful if you live in a state that does not require PIP insurance. It can cover deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses that your health insurance may not fully cover.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for the resulting damages, including medical expenses. If the other driver is at fault, their auto insurance should cover your medical bills through their bodily injury liability coverage. However, this process can take time, as it requires determining fault and negotiating with the insurance company. In the meantime, you may need to rely on your PIP, MedPay, or health insurance to cover immediate medical expenses.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or their insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your medical expenses, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help. UM/UIM coverage is an optional part of your auto insurance policy that protects you in cases where the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate you for your injuries. This coverage can be invaluable in ensuring that your medical bills are paid when the responsible party lacks adequate insurance.
Legal Assistance
Understanding who pays your medical bills after a car accident depends on several factors, including your insurance coverage, the state you live in, and who was at fault. Personal Injury Protection, MedPay, health insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and even workers’ compensation can all play a role in covering your medical expenses. By knowing your options and how each type of coverage works, you can better navigate the financial aftermath of a car accident and focus on your recovery. Contact a Fairfield, CT car accident lawyer from Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, P.C. today to get your case started.