Kansas City Pedestrian Accidents Can Result in Massive Medical Bills
The medical bills after a pedestrian accident can be expensive. Many pedestrians injured in a traffic accident sustain severe injuries, including broken bones, fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, back or neck injuries, and even death.
These severe injuries can require multiple surgeries, long hospital stays, and months of physical and occupational therapy. Even after extensive medical treatment, an injured pedestrian may require ongoing treatment and care because of permanent impairments and disabilities.
Our Kansas City pedestrian accident attorney can help you document your damages and losses, including medical expenses, to include in a personal injury claim. We help pedestrians recover their losses throughout Missouri and Kansas and offer free, no-obligation consultations at 816-203-0143.
There are many things you should do after a Kansas City pedestrian accident, but detailed and accurate documentation of medical expenses is the key to receiving full compensation for the medical treatment necessary after a pedestrian accident.
Who Pays the Medical Bills for an Injured Pedestrian in Missouri and Kansas?
If a driver or another party was negligent and at fault for causing a pedestrian accident, that party is liable for any damages or losses incurred by an injured pedestrian under both Missouri and Kansas law.
However, before the pedestrian can recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages caused by the pedestrian accident, the person must prove that the driver or another party caused the accident.
Our Kansas City pedestrian accident attorney can help with the investigation to identify the responsible party and gather evidence proving fault, so that you can receive compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
When Are My Medical Bills Paid After a Kansas City Pedestrian Accident?
Even if you prove that the driver who hit you was responsible for causing the accident, your medical bills are not paid directly by the insurance company for the driver. You must file an insurance claim, provide evidence of all damages, and reach a settlement with the insurance provider. The insurance company compensates you directly for your medical bills and other damages. It does not pay each medical provider individually.
Because you do not receive any money from the insurance company for the driver until you settle your claim, it is your responsibility to pay your medical bills in the meantime. In some cases, you may reach an agreement with your medical providers so that you can receive medical care while postponing payment until you settle your pedestrian accident claim. Many medical providers accept a letter from your accident attorney stating that medical expenses will be paid from the settlement proceeds before you receive any funds.
Many accident victims use their health insurance coverage to pay medical bills for a pedestrian accident. Your health insurance provider may expect reimbursement for any amounts paid related to the accident when you receive the settlement proceeds from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. In some cases, a health insurance company or medical provider may have a lien (also known as a right of subrogation) against the settlement proceeds.
Our experienced injury lawyer may be able to negotiate a lower payment to the health insurance company and other health care providers, especially if you receive an amount that is lower than the medical bills you owe.
Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company
If the insurance company acknowledges liability for the pedestrian accident, it may offer a quick settlement to resolve the injury claim. These offers are typically lower than the actual value of the claim. The insurance company might try to settle a pedestrian accident claim before you speak with an attorney or complete your medical treatment plan because it may save thousands of dollars.
It is never a good idea to settle a claim until after you complete medical treatment. You could have a permanent impairment that impacts your ability to work and perform daily tasks. An early settlement of your claim may not include compensation for future damages from a disability or impairment.
Likewise, until you consult with our personal injury attorney, you may not know the actual value of your claim. For example, you might not realize that you can receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, emotional disorders, physical pain, and other non-economic damages. You may not be aware of your right to receive compensation for a decrease in your earning capacity because of permanent impairment. Therefore, it is in your best interest to complete medical treatment and talk to a Kansas City pedestrian accident attorney before you agree to accept any settlement offer.
Consult With Our Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Attorney
It can be overwhelming to incur thousands of dollars in medical bills that you cannot afford to pay because of an accident that was not your fault. Let our Kansas City pedestrian accident attorney work with you to hold the reckless driver who caused your injuries accountable for his or her actions.
Contact The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus by calling 816-203-0143 to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Kansas City.
