A car accident can change your life in an instant. One moment, you are driving to work in downtown Kansas City or picking up groceries in Brookside, and the next, you are facing pain, vehicle repairs, and a sudden pile of medical bills and other paperwork. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed during this time.
When you were hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it can make you wonder who pays for medical bills after a car accident.
You might assume that the driver who hit you is responsible for paying your bills as they come in. While they may be ultimately responsible for the accident and your injuries, the reality of how bills get paid in the short term is often different.
In Kansas City and throughout Missouri and Kansas, the insurance laws can be complex. We want to help you understand your options and what steps you can take after suffering an injury.
Related: What to Do After a Car Accident in Kansas City
Understanding Your Insurance Options in Kansas and Missouri
When you are hurt, the last thing you want to worry about is how you will be paying for your medical bills. However, medical providers and facilities usually expect payment or proof of coverage upfront, regardless of who caused the car crash. The good news is that there are several layers of coverage designed to help people in your exact situation.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
If your accident occurred in Kansas, or if you have a Kansas auto insurance policy, you likely have Personal Injury Protection, commonly known as PIP. Kansas is a “no-fault” state for insurance purposes. This means that your own insurance pays for your medical treatment up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident.
PIP is designed to be a safety net. It covers:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages if you cannot work
- Rehabilitation costs
- Essential services (like household help)
This coverage allows you to get the care you need immediately without waiting for insurance companies to determine fault.
MedPay Coverage
For accidents in Missouri, or if you have a Missouri auto insurance policy, the system works a bit differently. Missouri is an “at-fault” state, but you can add an optional coverage called Medical Payments coverage, or “MedPay.”
Think of MedPay as a specific fund just for your medical expenses. Like PIP, it kicks in regardless of who was at fault. It can be a financial lifesaver for paying health insurance deductibles or copays. Since MedPay is strictly for medical costs, it ensures that your immediate health needs are met without dispute.
Health Insurance
Many people are surprised to learn that they should use their regular health insurance after a car accident. You might think, “Why should my health insurance pay if the other driver caused the wreck?”
The answer is speed and credit protection. Paying car accident medical bills through your health insurance ensures that your providers are paid promptly. This prevents bills from piling up or being sent to collections while you wait for a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
If your health insurance pays for your treatment, they may have a “subrogation” interest. This simply means that if you later receive a settlement from the other driver, your health insurer may ask to be reimbursed for what they paid. However, using health insurance upfront provides immediate peace of mind.
What to Do If You Are Uninsured
Trying to figure out medical care payments without insurance is incredibly stressful, but please know that you still have options. Hospitals and doctors understand that accidents happen, and many are willing to work with you.
Payment Plans and Financial Aid
If you do not have health insurance, PIP, or MedPay, communicate with your medical providers and attorney immediately. Many hospitals offer charity care programs or financial aid for uninsured patients. At the very least, most providers will allow you to set up a monthly payment plan that fits your budget.
Medical Liens
Another common option in personal injury cases is a medical lien. This is an agreement between you (or your attorney) and the medical provider. The doctor agrees to treat you now and wait for payment until your legal case is resolved.
This allows you to get the necessary payment for personal injury medical bills taken care of without upfront costs. Once your case settles, the provider is paid directly from the settlement funds.
Navigating the Lawsuit Process
Sometimes, insurance coverage isn’t enough to cover the full extent of your injuries, or the insurance companies dispute who was at fault. In these instances, a personal injury lawsuit may be the necessary path to recover your costs.
This process involves proving that the other driver was negligent, meaning they failed to drive safely, and that their negligence caused your injuries. Through a claim or lawsuit, you seek compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Property damage
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
A crucial concept in any injury claim is “Maximum Medical Improvement” or MMI. This is the point where your doctor determines that your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further, even with additional treatment.
Reaching MMI is important because it helps your attorney understand the total cost of your medical care, both what you have already spent and what you might need in the future. Settling a case before reaching MMI can be risky, as you might accept a payout that doesn’t cover future complications.
Practical Tips for Managing Medical Expenses
While the legal and insurance processes move forward, there are small, practical steps you can take to keep things organized and reduce your stress levels.
- Keep a “Health Journal”: Get a folder or a notebook. Every time you visit a doctor, buy a prescription, or pay a copay, put the receipt in the folder.
- Communicate: If you receive a bill you can’t pay, call the provider’s billing department. Tell them you were in an accident and are in the process of resolving the claim. Often, they will put a hold on the account so it doesn’t go to collections.
- Don’t Ignore the Mail: It is tempting to ignore bills when you are hurting, but opening them ensures you know exactly where you stand.
- Follow Doctor’s Orders: Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that you weren’t really hurt. Prioritize your appointments for your health and your case.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
An experienced attorney can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the claims process, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively. Here are some ways an attorney can assist you:
- Handling Communication: Your attorney can negotiate directly with insurers to prevent you from being pressured or misled.
- Gathering Evidence: They will collect medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other essential documentation to strengthen your claim.
- Calculating Damages: An attorney can help assess both current and future expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Representing You In Court: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will advocate for your interests in front of a judge or jury.
- Providing Legal Advice: They will guide you through the complex legal process, answering your questions and keeping you informed at every stage.
Speak to an Experienced KC Metro Car Accident Attorney
Trying to figure out who pays for medical bills after a car accident in Missouri or Kansas can feel like a full-time job—one you didn’t ask for. The statutes differ across state lines, and insurance policies are written in language that can be hard to decipher.
At The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr., we believe in treating every client with the warmth and respect of a neighbor. We aren’t a massive firm where you are just a case number. We are a small law firm dedicated to providing you with one-on-one contact with your attorney.
With over 25 years of experience as a car accident attorney serving both Kansas and Missouri, Peter A. Jouras, Jr. understands the difficulties you are facing. We handle the complex legal battles so you can focus on getting better.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover money for you.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
