Who Pays For Medical Bills And Lost Wages After A Car Accident?
No one ever wants to be involved in a car accident. Crashes can cause serious pain, frustration and debilitating personal injuries. Many in this situation naturally wonder who pays for medical bills and lost wages after a car accident?
Massachusetts is a no-fault car insurance state. As part of this system, medical bills and lost wages are paid, regardless of who is at-fault. This is called PIP coverage. These benefits are paid by the car insurance company that insures the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident. If you were a pedestrian struck by a car, the insurance company for the car that hit you will pay your medical bills relating to the accident. Keep in mind PIP does not apply to motorcycle accidents.
PIP pays up to $8000 in medical bills and lost wages. Before they do so, you must submit a PIP application. Your car accident attorney in Boston can help you complete this document. If you have private health insurance, the car insurance company will pay the first $2000 in your medical bills. After they pay the first $2000, the remainder of the bills are sent to health insurance for payment. Any bills not paid by health insurance are sent back to the car insurance company for payment. The car insurance company may require you to attend an examination under oath which is usually taken by an attorney hired by the car insurance company. Failure to attend this event can result in PIP benefits becoming unavailable due to failure to cooperate under the terms of the insurance policy.
If you miss time from work due to the auto accident, then you can also use PIP for lost wages up to $8000. As long as you have a note from a doctor keeping you out of work, as well as written verification from your employer that you missed work, then you may collect lost wages through PIP.
Contact the Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers with all of your Massachusetts car accident questions.
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