Motorcycle accidents often lead to riders suffering severe injuries, since they’re so vulnerable. Even a seemingly minor bump from a car or truck can cause a motorcyclist to lose control, and suffer severe injuries as a result. When this happens, their medical bills start to pile up, making many riders wonder how they’ll ever be able to pay those expenses, even with motorcycle insurance.
The motorcycle accident attorneys with The Eberst Law Firm are ready to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the suffering you’ve endured. If someone else is to blame for your accident, we will do everything we can to help you get every penny you have coming. You might still be in the process of looking for legal representation. But we can promise you that no other firm will work more passionately on your behalf.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we may be able to help, give us a call at 1-888-CALL-JON or contact us online.
Estimated Medical Debt for Those Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Having to deal with the pain of a severe injury is bad enough. Compounding the problem is the stress that can result due to an ever-increasing mountain of medical expenses. It’s not at all uncommon for riders to accumulate tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. In some cases, the bills can rise into the hundreds of thousands.
These are just a few of the medical expenses that injury accident victims incur:
- Ambulance or air transport to the hospital.
- Care in the emergency room or intensive care unit.
- MRIs, CT scans, X-rays and other imaging tests.
- Surgical procedures that might be needed.
- Extended hospital stays.
- Prescription medications, physical therapy and any medical devices that could be necessary.
If you’re going to have the best possible chance to recover your medical expenses – as well as your lost wages and other monetary losses, known as “damages” – you’re going to need to speak to an experienced attorney as soon as you can.
Will My Medical Insurance Cover Any of My Bills?
Actually, your motorcycle insurance will be the first that will be used to pay your expenses. You’ll learn more about how in the next section.
After that, then your health insurance will be used to pay for whatever is left over. However, there are some instances where your expenses are so high that your insurance runs out before all of your bills are covered.
If this happens, you’ll definitely need to turn to an attorney to help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. In the meantime, your medical provider will likely want a document known as a “letter of protection.” This is simply an agreement that you will pay for your medical care from whatever you’re able to obtain through a settlement or a jury verdict, if your case goes to court.
Will My Motorcycle Insurance Cover Any of My Bills?
As mentioned earlier, your motorcycle coverage is, in a manner of speaking, the “first line of defense” when it comes to paying your bills. Hopefully you carry PIP (personal injury protection” on your bike, along with the rest of your motorcycle coverage. Even though it’s not required in Florida, PIP can make a huge difference. It will pay 80% of your medical bills up to $10,000.
Medical payment (med pay) insurance could provide more protection. It will pay 100% of your expenses, up to the amount of your policy. Say, for example, you have a $5,000 med pay policy. That, plus your PIP insurance, will give you about $15,000 worth of coverage.
How Will the Remainder of My Medical Debt be Paid?
If you don’t have PIP, or if your expenses are so high that your insurance can’t cover them, then you’ll definitely have to take action against the at-fault driver. In fact, you’ll want to do this anyway, because you shouldn’t have to pay a dime for an accident you’re not to blame for.
There are several types of injuries where Florida law will allow a victim to pursue legal action. These include the following:
- Fractured bones
- Injuries that will result in a significant or permanent limitation to the use of a bodily organ or function.
- Full debilitation for 90 days or longer
You’ll need to hire an attorney if any of these apply to you. Your legal representative will first attempt to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to achieve a fair settlement. If that offer isn’t made, then they can take the insurer to court.
How to Keep Track of Medical Debt After Your Accident
The most important thing you can do when it comes to your medical bills is to keep copies of everything. This means not only your hospital bills, but also the costs of prescription medicines, doctor’s visits, physical therapy and everything else.
You’re going to likely face a long road to recovery, one that might entail multiple surgeries. If your injury is especially severe, you might need an assistive device, such as a wheelchair or a walker. You might even need to make accommodations to your home in order to get from room to room. If you have a two-story home, for example, there’s a chance you might need a mechanized lift because you can’t use the stairs.
All of your documentation will be undeniable proof of the expenses you’ve incurred. Your attorney will use your bills, as well as proof of your lost wages and other damages, to show the at-fault driver’s insurance company that you deserve every penny you’re demanding.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Help Getting Your Medical Debt Paid
Please get in touch with an attorney with The Eberst Law Firm as soon as possible. We have a great deal of experience in this area of the law, and we know how to uncover the key evidence you’ll need. When you work with us, we’ll help you navigate the complexities, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Use our online contact form or call 1-888-CALL-JON for a free case review.
