After a car accident, injured South Carolinians often have different insurance options that can help pay for their injuries and related losses. These include auto insurance policies and health care plans. However, many crash victims aren’t sure where to turn first to claim compensation for their injuries. The dedicated South Carolina car accident attorneys at David Blackwell Law can provide the answers you need during this stressful time.
At David Blackwell Law, we know how essential full and fair compensation can be after a car wreck. We’re here to fight for you to get every penny you’re owed. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a negligent driver, call or contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
Health Insurance vs. Auto Insurance
Although it is true that both health insurance and auto insurance may cover your medical costs after an accident, there are some major differences between the two. For accident victims, the most important of these is the fact that health insurance will only provide coverage for medical expenses.
Auto insurance, on the other hand, can provide many other types of compensation. When filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, you can also demand compensation for your medical costs. But you can also seek reimbursement for lost income, lost earning potential, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other losses you have sustained as part of the crash.
Should My Health Insurance Company Pay First?
Yes. Health insurance can cover your injuries after a car crash. If you’ve been hurt, you will still be responsible for your deductible and co-pays, but then the health insurance company will cover the rest according to your plan’s specifications. Your medical costs may later be covered through a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but the path to a settlement can be lengthy, and you need care now.
Car Accident Claims Process
When you file a claim for compensation with the insurance company, your case will be assigned to an adjuster. The adjuster’s job is to investigate your claim to identify who should be held liable and make a settlement offer to resolve the dispute. Keep in mind that these adjusters have been trained in tactics to delay, deny, and diminish valid car accident claims. When you receive your first settlement offer, it will likely be for less than what you deserve. There’s always room to negotiate, but you don’t want your health to suffer while you wait for your settlement to come through. That’s why having your medical claims filed through your health insurance company first will be the smartest course of action.
Subrogation in South Carolina
If your health insurance company paid for some or all of your medical costs after an accident, be aware that you will likely have to pay them back once you get a settlement from the auto insurance company. This is due to South Carolina’s subrogation laws. These laws dictate that accident victims should not receive compensation twice for one type of loss and so, they are required to pay back the first payer after they receive the second type of compensation.
Having legal representation during subrogation is a wise idea. Sometimes, lawyers are able to negotiate how much you have to repay. That means more money for you in the long run.
Medicare and Medicaid After an Accident
If you have health insurance through Medicare or Medicaid, you can receive compensation for your medical bills after an accident. Just like any other type of health insurance, though, both of these programs have the right to recover their costs if you are awarded a settlement in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
How Can David Blackwell Law Help Me?
After a car accident, the only thing you need to worry about is getting well again. Let the South Carolina car accident attorneys at David Blackwell Law handle the rest. Our attorneys can investigate your claim, obtain medical records, collect evidence, and manage all talks with the insurance company(s) so that you can focus on your recovery. You can count on David Blackwell Law to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online to arrange a free consultation today.
