Who Will Cover My Medical Claim After a Car Accident?

If you have been involved in a car accident, you will need to file a claim so that you can be compensated for damages. A qualified and experienced car accident attorney can help to determine the total damages you are entitled to receive, and may also work directly with insurance companies to negotiate the claim on your behalf.

Here's a close look at how your medical expenses are paid for after a car accident:

Filing a Medical Claim After a Car Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident, you will need to review the protection you have under your insurance policy and sign a medical release so that all of your injury records can be sent to the insurance company. It's important to get a professional medical evaluation immediately after the incident, and obtain a copy of the evaluation as proof for the insurance company.

In order to be fully compensated for all medical bills and health expenses associated with the accident, the insurance company needs proof that all of these expenses were paid out of pocket. You will need to provide receipts, invoices and bills of doctor's visits, medical-related purchases and any other information regarding your treatment.

Keeping up with your treatment and taking steps towards improving your health will also show the insurance company that you are being responsible for your health. In some cases, this can increase the chances of having your claim approved.

Types of Compensation for a Medical Claim
Many people who are involved in a car accident are eligible to receive compensation for the following types of injuries:

- Whiplash injury
- Knee damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Brain and head trauma
- Back injuries
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Mental and emotional stress
- Pain and suffering

Any damage to the brain, neck and spinal cord can result in long-term health problems and physical pain. A qualified medical professional can determine the extent of the injuries sustained. Even though you may think you have fully recovered from your car accident injuries, you may still experience physical and emotional traumatic effects for several months, even years after the incident. "Pain and suffering" is assessed on case by case basis, and can be difficult to quantify in dollars.

Working with an experienced car accident lawyer may help to increase the compensation you receive from your claim. He or she will be able to negotiate with the claims adjuster so that the insurance company understands the extent of the injuries and the type of costs you will be responsible for in the future.

Sources:
http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com/claimcalculator.php
http://accident-law.freeadvice.com/auto/anatomy-auto-accident-insurance-claim.htm