If you’ve been injured in a car accident, medical bills can add up quickly and dealing with health insurance companies might become necessary. You may be wondering who will pay for these bills, especially if you aren’t at fault. In New Mexico, which is not a “no-fault” state, the answer is simply that it can vary. It depends on whose fault the accident was, what kind of insurance you have, and the involvement of your health insurance company, as they may file a claim on your behalf.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Medical Bills after a car accident in new Mexico?

As a general rule, you must first incur the payments for any medical bills from an accident, even if you weren’t at fault. The law doesn’t require the individual at fault to pay for your bills on what’s called an “ongoing basis.” Instead, a court can later require payment for “damages,” which includes any medical bills related to the accident. This is where the involvement of a car accident lawyer becomes crucial, as they can initiate a lawsuit on your behalf to seek out reimbursement from insurance companies or the at-fault party.

First, You Pay

This can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the type of insurance coverage that the parties involved have. Generally speaking, the person who is at fault for the accident is responsible for paying medical bills. In New Mexico, drivers must carry liability insurance, known as personal injury protection (PIP), in order to legally operate a vehicle. This insurance covers any medical bills that may arise from an accident that the driver is responsible for.

In the event that a driver is found to be at fault for an accident, they are liable for any damages that may have occurred. This could include medical bills, property damage, and any other expenses related to the accident. A law firm specializing in car accidents will communicate with insurance companies to help process an insurance claim and seek reimbursement for the injured party.

Depending on the severity of the accident, the driver may be held responsible for any injuries sustained by other parties involved. They may be liable for medical bills, property damage, and other costs associated with the accident. Depending on the circumstances, the driver could even face criminal charges. Car accident lawyers can guide the injured party through potential legal proceedings and the insurance claim process.

If you have medical pay, or “med-pay,” insurance coverage, which is completely optional in New Mexico, your insurance company will pay for medical expenses up to the amount agreed upon in your plan. This is usually less than $10,000. After bills exceed this amount, you may need to consult your health insurer to determine the next steps in seeking reimbursement.

If you were injured in an accident, the at-fault driver’s car insurance company will be required to reimburse you for medical expenses as a part of damages. Damages can include car repairs, lost income, emotional distress and more, in addition to medical expenses.

Determining Fault

Unfortunately, you will be paying for your own medical bills if you were at fault in an accident, unless you have med pay coverage. Your insurance company will be responsible for reimbursing the other driver for damages.

In most cases, personal injury lawsuits end in a settlement outside of court, which saves both parties time and money. If the fault is disputed, however, you and your car crash attorney may end up in court fighting for your right to proper compensation. That’s why it’s important to call a personal injury lawyer, such as the car accident lawyers at Ornelas & Serna Law, as soon as you can following a car accident that results in even a small injury.

Going to Court

In New Mexico, medical bills resulting from a car accident are typically paid through a combination of sources. The first source is the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance company of the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying the medical bills of the injured party.

How Are They Paid After a Car Accident?

This is a common practice in the event of a car accident, as the insurance company is obligated to cover the costs of any medical treatments that are necessary due to the incident. Depending on the severity of the accident, the injured party may require a variety of medical treatments, ranging from minor first aid to more intensive care.

In the case of minor injuries, a visit to the doctor’s office or a nearby urgent care center may be sufficient. For more serious injuries, a hospital visit may be necessary. Depending on the severity of the injury, the hospital may be able to provide more advanced treatments and diagnostic tools than a doctor’s office or urgent care center.

In addition, hospital staff may be better equipped to handle more serious medical issues than those found in a typical doctor’s office. Hospital staff typically have access to more advanced medical technology and treatments, such as MRI machines, CT scanners, and other imaging equipment that can help diagnose and treat more complex medical conditions.

In the state of New Mexico, medical bills resulting from car accidents can be a major financial burden for victims and their families. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, the average cost of medical care for a car accident victim is $20,000. This staggering sum is a sobering reminder of the financial burden that can arise from a car accident.

Overview of Medical Bills From Car Accidents in New Mexico.

Depending on the severity of the accident, medical costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands of dollars for more serious, life-altering injuries. This is why it is so important to have adequate insurance coverage, as medical bills can quickly become overwhelming if an accident or injury occurs.

Even if the injury is minor, the medical bills can add up quickly if multiple visits to the doctor or hospital are required. In some cases, the injury may be more serious, leading to long-term medical care, physical therapy, or even surgery. In these cases, the medical bills can be overwhelming and can take months or even years to pay off. The costs associated with these treatments can be quite staggering, and the time it takes to recover can be long and arduous.

Need a Lawyer?

The lawyers at Ornelas & Serna Law are experienced personal injury attorneys committed to helping you. If you’re injured in a car accident, count on Ornelas & Serna Law to fight for the compensation you deserve.