How to Handle Medical Bills After an Ohio Car Accident Injury

While it is imperative for everyone to be very careful while driving, accidents happen, and you need to be prepared for them. If you are in an accident, the first thing to ensure is that you and everyone else are safe. Understand the situation carefully and analyze what steps should be taken moving forward.

When you are in a car accident, it can happen in a couple of different ways. It can be entirely your fault, or the accident could be caused by the other party involved. During an Ohio car accident injury, the at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for covering all medical bills and other damages. You’ll need to provide the at-fault driver’s insurance company with records of medical treatments and other related expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

It is generally recommended that you use your own insurance while the claim is pending and then pursue reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance. Because of this, it is imperative that you keep your important documents with you and maintain proper records.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can do if you find yourself in that situation.

1 Seek Medical Attention and Document Everything

After an Ohio car accident injury, your priority should be your health. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Immediate treatment protects your health and gives you proper documentation of any issues so you can be compensated later.

Your medical records will serve as key evidence that your injuries were caused by the accident, which helps in both insurance and legal claims.

• Get Medical Care:
  Go to a doctor or hospital and receive necessary treatment for your injuries.
• Document Everything:
  Keep detailed records of your medical bills, treatment dates, and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Share Insurance Information:
  Provide your health and auto insurance information to your healthcare providers so they can bill accordingly.

2. Understand Who Pays Medical Bills in Ohio

Ohio is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for damages, including medical expenses. If you are hurt, notify the authorities as soon as possible in case of any issues.

However, keep in mind that medical bills don’t get paid automatically. A detailed report of the accident and, eventually, your previous medical history will be examined. Until fault is determined and compensation is issued, you may need to cover bills out of pocket or use available insurance options.

Common Payment Sources:

• Your health insurance
• Medical payments coverage under your auto policy
• The at-fault driver’s insurance, after settlement
• Workers’ compensation: if the accident occurred during work

It’s important not to delay treatment due to concerns about cost. Healthcare providers may work with you or accept a letter of protection from your personal injury lawyer, deferring payment until your claim is resolved.

3. Use Medical Payments Coverage If Available

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average cost of medical treatment following an Ohio car accident injury is approximately $15,000. Emergency room (ER) visits typically cost around $3,300, while inpatient hospital stays average about $57,000. The bill can reach roughly $50,000 if air ambulance transport is needed.

These expenses can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury and the type of medical care required. In cases involving serious injuries, such as fractures or traumatic brain injuries, costs can easily surpass $100,000, especially when surgery, intensive care, or extended rehabilitation is involved.

MedPay is optional auto insurance in Ohio that helps cover medical costs regardless of who was at fault. It typically covers:

• Ambulance fees
• Emergency room treatment
• Surgery and follow-up care
• Chiropractic visits
• Dental treatment due to the accident

4. Track All Medical Expenses Diligently

If your insurance coverage is unavailable, exhausted, or doesn’t cover the full extent of your treatment, the next step is to utilize your health insurance. Submitting your medical bills to your health insurer can help reduce immediate financial pressure while your injury claim is still resolved. Although your health insurance may cover a significant portion of the costs, it’s crucial to understand how the process works and your obligations under your policy.

Key Considerations:

• Notify your insurer that your injuries are related to an auto accident. This helps them code the treatment properly and may affect how your benefits are applied.
• Expect co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. These expenses may still be your responsibility unless they’re later reimbursed through a settlement.
• Understand subrogation rights. Most health insurers have the legal right to be reimbursed for any accident-related expenses they paid if you recover compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance. This means part of your settlement may need to go towards repaying your health insurer.
• Keep all Explanation of Benefits (EOB) documents, as these helps verify what has been paid and which payments are still outstanding.

Using your health insurance wisely can prevent your bills from going to collections, help maintain your credit, and ensure that you continue receiving necessary medical treatment without interruption. Always coordinate with your healthcare providers and personal injury lawyer to ensure your insurance and legal claims align.

5. Avoid Paying Bills Out of Pocket If Possible

Careful record-keeping is essential when pursuing a claim. Maintain a folder. It can be digital or physical. It just needs to be readily available when required. These documents can help with:

• Medical records and bills
• Insurance statements
• Pharmacy receipts
• Transportation costs for medical appointments
• Documentation of lost wages due to the injury

These records allow your personal injury lawyer to establish the full value of your claim and demonstrate the financial impact of the accident on your life. Be sure to update your file regularly and include any out-of-pocket expenses, such as over-the-counter medications, mobility aids, or home modifications required for recovery. Accurate documentation ensures that no expense is overlooked when seeking reimbursement or damages.

Final Thoughts

Handling medical bills after an Ohio car accident injury can feel overwhelming, but you have options. Use available insurance, track every expense, and avoid quick settlements. If your injuries are severe or liability is contested, don’t hesitate to hire a personal injury lawyer to guide you through the process and protect your rights. With the right approach, you can recover physically and financially from your accident.