Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers

Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries

Car crashes can happen fast, but the consequences of a wreck can linger for quite some time. For instance, if you’ve been hurt in a crash in Tulsa, you may now be facing medical bills—and you might wonder who’s responsible for paying them.

“Who’s responsible for covering my medical expenses after a collision in Tulsa?” This is a common and crucial question that many accident victims face. At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with dealing with medical bills after a car accident. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complex world of medical coverage following a collision in Oklahoma.

In this article, we’ll explore the various options available for covering your medical bills, explain Oklahoma’s at-fault insurance system, and provide you with practical ways to boost your chances of getting paid what you may be owed.

Whether you’re a little hurt or badly injured, knowing what you can do can help you get better and protect your money.

Understanding Your Options for Medical Coverage Following a Collision

After a car accident in Tulsa, determining how you’ll pay for your medical treatment may be among your most pressing concerns. At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we understand that mounting medical expenses can be overwhelming. This is particularly true when you’re also recovering from injuries.

Oklahoma follows an at-fault insurance law. This means the driver responsible for the accident is typically liable for covering the resulting damages, including medical bills. This differs from no-fault states, where each driver’s insurance covers medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident.

In Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance should cover the medical bills of those injured in the wreck. However, the reality is often more complicated. This is partially because insurance companies aren’t always inclined to offer the compensation victims may deserve. You may need to explore multiple avenues to ensure all your medical expenses are covered. These options may include:

  1. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance
  2. Your health insurance
  3. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) from your auto insurance
  4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
  5. Personal Injury Protection (PIP), if you have it

Each option has its advantages and considerations, which we’ll explore in detail throughout this article. Understanding these options can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation and for your medical bills and related losses.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Before we dive into who pays for medical bills, we must address the crucial steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident:

  1. Make sure you and everyone else are safe
  2. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed
  3. Gather information from all parties involved, including insurance details
  4. Document the scene with photos and videos if possible
  5. Get checked by a doctor, even if you don’t think you’re hurt at first

Your health should always be your top priority. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Getting checked by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured, is absolutely essential after an accident.

Potential Sources for Covering Medical Bills After a Car Accident

The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance

If another driver is responsible for your accident, their liability insurance should be the primary source for covering your medical bills. However, there are some essential points to consider:

  • Insurance companies may dispute fault or try to minimize payouts
  • The at-fault driver’s policy limits may not cover all your expenses
  • Settlement negotiations can take time, leaving you responsible for bills in the meantime

Your Own Health Insurance

Your health insurance can cover your medical treatment while waiting for a settlement or if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient. Keep in mind:

  • You’ll still be responsible for copays and deductibles
  • Your health insurance might want some money back if you get paid for the crash

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

If your car insurance has MedPay, it can help with doctor bills no matter who caused the crash. MedPay usually:

  • Covers you and your passengers
  • Has no deductible
  • Can help pay what your health insurance doesn’t cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Maybe the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t sufficient to cover your medical bills. Maybe they don’t even have insurance. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help in these circumstances. This coverage is optional in Oklahoma, but we strongly recommend it for added protection.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

While not mandatory in Oklahoma, some drivers opt for Personal Injury Protection. PIP can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related costs, regardless of fault.

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Navigating Medical Bills While Your Case is Pending

Dealing with doctor bills while waiting for crash money can be challenging.

Tips to consider now include:

  1. Communicating with your healthcare providers about your situation
  2. Asking about payment plans or deferment options
  3. Keeping a proper record of all medical expenses and treatments
  4. Working with an experienced car accident attorney who can guide you through the process

We often work directly with medical providers to arrange treatment on a lien basis, meaning you don’t have to pay upfront for necessary medical care.

The Importance of Comprehensive Documentation

Maintaining thorough documentation is crucial to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical bills. This includes:

  • All medical bills and receipts
  • Treatment records and doctor’s notes
  • Prescription medication costs
  • Travel expenses related to medical treatment
  • Papers showing the pay you missed from going to the doctor

Proper documentation strengthens your case and helps us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Subrogation and Liens

After your case settles, you may need to repay your health insurance company or government programs like Medicare for the medical bills they cover. This process, known as subrogation, ensures you don’t receive double compensation for the same expenses.

Healthcare providers can also place liens on your settlement to ensure they receive service payment. Navigating these liens and subrogation claims can be difficult. Hiring an experienced attorney can simplify what might otherwise be a complex process.

How Graves McLain Injury Lawyers Can Help You with Your Medical Bills

Car crashes can leave you with lots of doctor bills. We can help you navigate these circumstances. At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we:

  • Investigate your accident thoroughly to establish the fault
  • Team up with top doctors to figure out how badly you’re hurt and what care you’ll need later
  • Fight hard with insurance companies to get you the money you deserve
  • Handle subrogation claims and medical liens to maximize your recovery
  • Fight hard for your rights in court if a proper settlement can’t be reached

Our experienced Tulsa car accident attorneys are committed to helping you navigate the complex process of covering your medical bills and securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact Graves McLain Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you’re struggling with medical bills after a car accident in Tulsa, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options.

Remember, we only get paid if we win your case. Don’t let the stress of medical bills hinder your recovery. Contact Graves McLain Injury Lawyers today, and let us help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and move forward with your life.

When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.

  • I knew my auto accident wouldn’t be worth much and they knew it too but worked as if it was a million dollar case and kept me informed hope I never need an attorney again but if I do it’ll be graves mcclain I brag on them to everyone

    Margie C

  • The staff is great and super friendly. They helped me get the money I deserved. I would definitely recommend them to everyone!

    CiCi H

  • My orthopedic doctor recommended Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, to me following the need for revision hip surgery due to a hip from Stryker that was putting poison into my system. The doctor took care of the hip, and Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, took care of the legal case. They were very thorough, professional, courteous, and always ready to answer the questions I had throughout the length of the case. In a word, the entire office is fantastic. I’m sure they were tired of my inquiries on the case’s progress, but they did not show it. They were always willing to respond and were very positive. If I ever have a claim in the future, they will be the first group to whom I reach out.

    Robert S.

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