The insurance company for the at-fault party in a Las Vegas car accident is responsible for paying the medical bills for victims who were injured in the crash. However, if the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance coverage or is underinsured, various options may exist.
Paying the Bills with Health Insurance
In general, the injured party’s health insurance may cover the initial costs for treatment, medication, procedures, and rehabilitation therapy. However, if the injured party lacks insurance, most major hospitals in Nevada are required to discount their services by 30%. Some medical providers may also attach a lien to the victim’s personal injury settlement and be paid once the settlement or judgment is finalized. The injured party bears financial responsibility for medical costs that exceed the settlement or judgment.
Suppose an injured party has insurance but is also offered the option of paying on a lien. In that case, the injured party is usually better served paying for the medical bills using insurance. Medical providers negotiate extensively with private and government insurers and cannot charge more than the agreed amount. Conversely, services performed on a lien can be charged at whatever rate the medical provider demands, and there is little recourse.
Reimbursing Medical Insurers
Most government and private insurers are entitled to reimbursement if the injured party secures a settlement or wins a judgment. This right, known as “subrogation,” may differ from insurer to insurer. However, in successful lawsuits, medical insurers must be reimbursed for upfront medical costs covered before the proceeds are distributed to the injured party.
Notably, this right to reimbursement only applies if the injured party is successful in recovering compensation. If the injured party does not win a judgment or settlement, then the medical insurer may not directly seek reimbursement from the injured party.
Negotiating Settlement or Calculating the Judgment
Certain documents are required to substantiate the costs incurred for medical treatment. In general, the insurer will require:
- Medical bills,
- Diagnoses, and
- Test results.
The insurance company needs this information to verify the nature of the injury and treatment, the costs, and to ensure the injuries and treatments are related to the accident. Injured parties should request that their doctor make detailed reports showing how the injuries are related to the accident.
