Health Insurance in Oak Lawn Bicycle Accidents

Health insurance is essential in the aftermath of a bicycle accident.  After a bike accident that results in injury, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. If the injured person has health insurance or a medical card, they can use that to get the treatment they need. Even if the accident is someone else’s fault, it may take time in order to get their insurance company to authorize and pay for treatment. If they have health insurance, they should use that benefit following a bicycle accident. Health insurance is a benefit that they directly or indirectly pay for, and they should take advantage of that following a bike accident.

It is best to reach out to a skilled bicycle accident attorney to learn about the steps to take following a collision. A lawyer could help you understand the role of health insurance in Oak Lawn bicycle accidents.

What Are the First Steps Following a Collision?

Following a bicycle accident, if a person has private health insurance or a medical card, they should submit all of their bills to them after a bicycle accident. Usually, health insurance will contact them and request details about the crash. They may inquire as to the identity of the at-fault party and their insurance company. They may also inquire whether they have a lawyer handling the case. In the end, health insurance wants to be sure that they receive repayment for any claims which are paid out, which were the result of the negligence of a third party.

Benefits and Consequences of Health Insurance

The benefits of having health insurance if a person is involved in an accident are that the amount paid to the hospital and doctors may be less than the amount which was billed. After a bike accident and a settlement, they must repay their health insurance for any medical treatment which they paid for. However, they only need to pay them back the amount that they paid. The at-fault person is responsible for 100 percent of the medical bill, and they are only responsible for paying back what health insurance paid. In this way, submitting their bill to health insurance may result in a larger recovery for injuries following a bicycle accident.

What Are the Consequences of Not Having Health Insurance?

Anyone who is injured in a bicycle accident should seek medical attention, regardless of health insurance. It is crucial to have a diagnosis even if they feel they are not injured. If a bicyclist does not have health insurance, there are several options for them. If the accident was someone else’s fault, the insurance company for that at-fault driver is responsible for all medical bills incurred as a result of the crash. There are many doctors who will treat patients and wait to receive payment from the insurance company.

Lawyers work with many doctors to make sure clients get the needed medical treatment following a bicycle accident. If a client has another means to pay for medical treatment such as health insurance, they will be encouraged to use that benefit so that they can get prompt treatment. If they sustained injuries in a bicycle accident and do not have insurance, it may take additional time to see a doctor.

Reimbursement For Paid Medical Expenses

Health insurance companies require that people reimburse them for paid medical expenses if the person is receiving a settlement. Health insurance is a contract between them and the insurance company. Health insurance should pay for all medical bills incurred. However, if they make a recovery from a third-party, most health insurance plans require them to pay them back. Some health insurance plans do not require repayment. It is important to review any health insurance plans with a seasoned attorney following a bike accident.

Financial Compensation For a Bike Collision

The amount they ask for from a settlement depends on how much they paid out, not the amount of the full medical bill. The insurance company for the at-fault driver is responsible for paying the full bill regardless if any of it was paid by health insurance. Additionally, a bike collision lawyer can frequently negotiate a lower repayment amount to any health insurance, which will result in a larger recovery for the injured bicyclist.

Extra Compensation

An insurance company can ask for extra payment through subrogation. Subrogation means that health insurance is entitled to be repaid in the event of a third-party recovery.  However, if there is a recovery from a third person, health insurance is required to be repaid. Even though they may pay premiums in order to have health insurance, the contract does not allow them to keep the money that was paid for by their coverage. In this way, the insurance company is being repaid for claims that were paid out, but not necessarily receiving a double recovery.

Impact on Insurance Rates

Bicycle accidents negatively impact a person’s insurance rates. Insurance rates are set based on risk factors. If someone is involved in one or more accidents, it typically increases the risk for the insurance company, who will in return increase the premium for the policy. Insurance is essential in the unlikely event of an accident. However, that does not mean that the rate which they paid for this insurance will not change. There are many factors that go into insurance rate making based on risk. The number and severity of past accidents are vital factors that an insurance company will take into consideration when setting rates.

How a Bicycle Accident Attorney Could Help

After a bicycle accident that results in health insurance paying for medical bills, it is beneficial to consult with an experienced lawyer. An attorney will be able to identify whether health insurance is entitled to repayment at all. Some health insurance plans do not include a subrogation clause.  This means that health insurance will pay for medical treatment. A lawyer can negotiate a lower amount of repayment to health insurance. The less money that is paid back to health insurance, then the greater the recovery for the injured party. Health insurance and other aspects of a bicycle accident can be complicated.

It is best to hire an attorney as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome for the injured bicyclist. Schedule a consultation today to learn about the benefits and consequences of health insurance in Oak Lawn bicycle accidents.