Paying for Medical Costs After a Wisconsin Car Crash

What happens if you are involved in a car crash in Wisconsin that was caused by a negligent or reckless driver? Who will cover your medical costs while you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses?

The attorneys at PKSD law discuss some of your options for covering your medical costs until your claim concludes.

If you are considering pursuing a claim to recover damages sustained in a car crash, we recommend that you contact an experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyer to learn about your legal options. You can learn if you may have a valid case in the completely free, no-obligation consultation that we offer. If we represent you, there is nothing to pay up front. We only get paid if we recover money for you.

Who is Responsible for Paying Until Your Claim Settles?

If another party is responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, ultimately that individual and his or her insurance will be liable for the damages. However, since you need to seek medical attention immediately after an accident to help ensure the best outcome for your recovery, those bills are likely to start coming due before your claim resolves. What this means for you is that until you receive compensation for your damages, that financial responsibility falls on you or your insurance.

Types of Wisconsin Insurance That May Help Pay Your Costs

It is important to review your insurance policy with your agent periodically to refresh your memory, ask questions and make any necessary changes. Not only do you want to make sure that your existing policy still meets your needs, but also that there are no unpleasant surprises. For example, you do not want to find out after an accident that you have no collision or medical coverage.

That said, there are various types of optional insurance add-ons worth considering that can help cover the costs associated with your medical treatment after an accident, including:

Medical Payments Insurance

If you are unfamiliar with MedPay – frequently confused with personal injury protection insurance (PIP), we recommend calling your insurer to learn more. In Wisconsin, this is optional coverage, but it must be offered to you by your insurance company at the time you purchase your policy. While you can choose to reject this added protection, in writing, we strongly recommend that you consider purchasing more than the minimum limit. Currently, $1,000 is the minimum requirement if purchased, and it will likely not go far in covering your medical costs.

The benefits of having MedPay insurance are that it provides payment for your medical costs up front and seeks reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance later. There is no deductible to pay, and you may also be able to get your MedPay provider to let you pay a lower fee as payment in full.

Health Insurance

If you do not have MedPay coverage, or your limits are insufficient to cover the costs, you may be able to submit the bills to your personal health insurance provider. This is an easy option that can provide injured victims with the peace of mind of knowing their medical costs are being covered. However, keep in mind that any co-pays or deductibles required as part of your plan will still apply. Check with your insurance provider to be sure you understand their process for paying your medical expenses if they are the result of a car accident. Knowing how your plan works ahead of time can help you to make an informed decision should you find yourself in this situation.

After your claim resolves, either through a settlement or jury verdict, your health insurance provider will likely seek reimbursement, called subrogation, for the costs they paid on your behalf. These costs may be paid for out of the proceeds of any compensation you receive in settlement.

Medicare/Medicaid Recipients

For injured victims who are recipients of Medicare or Medicaid insurance, you may be able to use this coverage to pay for your medical treatments. However, just as with MedPay or a health insurance plan, you will likely have to reimburse the government for the medical costs covered on your behalf. These costs will not be paid out of your own pocket, but from the proceeds of any settlement you receive when your claim resolves.

Need Legal Help After a Car Crash? Call PKSD For Answers

At PKSD, we have been advocating for the injured in Wisconsin for more than 20 years, and during that time, we have recovered millions in compensation on behalf of our clients. We are prepared to help fight for maximum compensation for you. Find out if you may have a case for free by scheduling a no-obligation initial consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.

If we represent you, there is nothing for you to pay out of pocket. We have no upfront fees. Our firm only gets paid if we recover compensation for you.

Call 414-333-3333 to schedule your free consultation.