Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Joliet?
Understanding your options for treatment and coverage in Illinois
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5 Ways Your Medical Bills Can Be Covered
After a car accident in Joliet, medical bills can pile up quickly. The good news is that you have multiple options for covering your treatment costs. Understanding these options can help you get the care you need without the added stress of worrying about how to pay for it.
Your Health Insurance
Varies by planYour existing health insurance can cover accident-related medical treatment, just like any other medical expense. This is often the fastest way to get treatment started.
Advantages
- Immediate coverage for emergency and ongoing care
- You can see doctors within your network right away
- Lower out-of-pocket costs through copays and deductibles
Things to Know
- Your insurer may seek reimbursement from your settlement (subrogation)
- You are still responsible for copays and deductibles
- Some plans have exclusions for auto accident injuries
Tip: Let your health insurance know the injuries are from a car accident. Your attorney can negotiate the subrogation amount later.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
$1K - $10KMedPay is optional coverage on your own auto insurance policy that pays for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. Not all states or policies include it.
Advantages
- Pays regardless of fault
- No deductible in most cases
- Covers you and your passengers
Things to Know
- Coverage limits are often low ($1,000 to $10,000)
- Not available in all states
- You may not have it on your policy
Tip: Check your auto insurance policy or call your agent to see if you have MedPay coverage. It's worth using before tapping other options.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
$10K - $50KPIP is similar to MedPay but typically provides broader coverage. In no-fault states, PIP is required and covers medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
Advantages
- Covers medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses
- Pays regardless of who was at fault
- Required in no-fault states (broader coverage)
Things to Know
- Only available in certain states
- Coverage limits vary by policy
- May require you to use specific medical providers
Tip: If you live in a no-fault state (like Florida, Michigan, or New York), PIP will likely be your primary coverage for medical bills after an accident.
Treatment on Lien
Full treatment costSome medical providers will treat you now and agree to wait for payment until your case settles. This is called a medical lien, and it is common in personal injury cases.
Advantages
- No upfront costs for treatment
- Provider waits until your case settles for payment
- Your attorney can often help arrange this
Things to Know
- Not all providers accept liens
- The provider has a legal claim against your settlement
- May limit your choice of doctors
Tip: Ask your attorney about treatment on lien. Many personal injury attorneys have relationships with medical providers who work on this basis.
At-Fault Driver's Insurance
Full damagesIf the other driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should ultimately cover your medical bills. However, this payment typically comes at the end of your case as part of your settlement.
Advantages
- Should cover the full extent of your medical costs
- Also covers pain and suffering, lost wages, etc.
- No cost to you out of pocket
Things to Know
- Payment comes at the end, not during treatment
- The other driver must have adequate insurance
- The insurance company may dispute or lowball your claim
Tip: Do not wait for the at-fault driver's insurance to pay before getting treatment. Use one of the other options above to start care immediately.
Most insurance policies in Illinois require notification within 30 days.
Failing to notify your insurance company promptly can jeopardize your coverage. Contact your insurer as soon as possible after an accident, and let a Joliet attorney guide you on what to say, and what not to say.
Do Not Delay Treatment
This is one of the most important things to understand after a car accident in Joliet: do not wait to see a doctor. Even if you feel okay right after the accident, some injuries take hours or days to become apparent.
Delays hurt your case: Insurance companies in Illinois will argue that if you did not seek immediate treatment, your injuries must not be that serious.
Hidden injuries are real: Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can have long-term consequences.
Your health comes first: Regardless of the legal implications, getting prompt medical attention is the right thing to do for your well-being.
Worried About Medical Bills in Joliet?
An experienced Joliet attorney can help you understand your coverage options and ensure your medical costs are included in your claim. Our matching service is free.
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