After a serious car accident in Oklahoma City, one of the first questions many victims ask is, “Who pays for my medical bills?” Between emergency care, hospital stays, follow-up visits, and rehabilitation, expenses can add up quickly, especially if you’re unable to return to work right away.
At Koller Baker & Associates, we help accident victims understand their rights and options when it comes to recovering compensation for medical expenses. Whether you were hit by a negligent driver or involved in a more complex collision, our team is here to help you pursue the financial support you need to heal.
Oklahoma Is an At-Fault State
Oklahoma follows an “at-fault” system when it comes to car accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident is legally responsible for the resulting damages, including medical bills. However, it can take time for a settlement or court judgment to come through. That leaves many accident victims wondering how to handle their bills in the meantime.
How Medical Bills Are Typically Paid
While the at-fault driver’s insurance may eventually reimburse you, here’s how bills are typically handled right after an accident:
1. Your Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, it will usually cover treatment right away. Your provider may later seek reimbursement through a process known as subrogation once a settlement is reached with the other driver’s insurance company.
2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If your own auto insurance policy includes MedPay, it can help cover your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. MedPay is optional in Oklahoma, but it can be very helpful in the aftermath of a crash.
3. Out-of-Pocket Payments
In some cases, accident victims may have to pay upfront or arrange a payment plan with the hospital or doctor until other forms of compensation are available.
4. Letter of Protection
Your personal injury attorney may be able to issue a Letter of Protection (LOP), which is a promise to pay medical providers out of your eventual settlement. This can help you receive treatment without paying anything upfront.
What Happens if the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries, you may be able to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. This optional coverage is highly recommended in Oklahoma, where uninsured drivers are not uncommon.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Seek Medical Care
Some accident victims delay seeing a doctor because they’re worried about the cost. However, waiting too long can not only jeopardize your health, but it can also hurt your legal case. Insurance companies often use gaps in treatment to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related to the accident.
Prompt medical care documents your injuries and ties them directly to the crash. This is essential if you plan to file a personal injury claim.
Seeking Compensation for Medical Bills
If someone else caused your accident, you have the right to seek compensation for:
- Hospital bills
- Surgery costs
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- Future medical treatment
- Medical equipment or home care
An experienced attorney can help you calculate the full extent of your medical damages and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that don’t reflect the full cost of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to seek additional compensation, even if more medical issues arise later.
Before signing anything, speak with an attorney to ensure the offer covers both current and future medical costs.
Contact Koller Baker & Associates Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Oklahoma City, don’t wait to get legal advice. Understanding who pays for medical bills and how to protect your rights can make a major difference in your recovery.
At Koller Baker & Associates, we are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
