Were you hurt in a Texas truck accident? If you were, you may be owed significant financial compensation. Now you could be wondering, who is supposed to pay my medical bills? The unfortunate reality is that you’re likely paying them at first, but the negligent driver, trucking company, and insurers could ultimately be responsible. Other liable parties may also be responsible depending on the cause of your accident.
At Edward O. Moody, P.A., our Texas truck accident lawyers are ready to investigate you accident and determine who should be responsible. We understand how expensive your medical bills can be and seek compensation from the responsible party. Our team diligently represents you to seek the full measure of monetary damages you’re entitled to. Speak with us today to learn more.
Immediate Medical Costs: Who Gets the Bill First?
After a truck accident, emergency services, hospitals, and specialists will bill the injured party directly. This is often surprising to accident victims. They usually assume there is money ready to pay for their injuries, but unfortunately that’s not often true.
Texas is an at-fault state. This means that the negligent party is responsible for the damages, and it shouldn’t be you. However, insurance payouts can take time. They require investigation, negotiation, and proof. Victims usually have to rely on their own health insurance or other resources to pay their medical bills.
Liability and the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
To recover medical expenses from the at-fault party, you must prove liability. In truck accidents, this may involve:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Third-party contractors or shippers
Once fault is established, the liable party’s insurer may cover:
- Emergency care
- Surgery costs
- Cost of hospitalization
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Future medical needs
Your Insurance Options After a Truck Crash
While waiting to learn who will be responsible, your own insurance may help.
- Health Insurance: Covers treatment per your policy terms, but may seek reimbursement from your settlement.
- PIP Coverage: Optional in Texas, PIP pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.
- MedPay: Another optional add-on that covers medical bills up to a set limit.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): If the truck driver lacks sufficient insurance, UM/UIM may help cover your costs.
Medical Liens and Deferred Billing
When you can’t afford the medical bills right now, many medical providers have a way to help. They may use a medical lien or deferred billing. A medical lien let’s the provider get paid from any court award or settlement you obtain from the negligent party. An attorney can help you properly negotiate and document this kind of agreement.
Deferred billing means the provider won’t charge you for services yet, but will do so in the future. Negotiating this with an attorney is critical to protect your rights.
Using a Lawsuit to Recover Medical Expenses
Filing a personal injury claim is often the most effective way to recover medical costs after a truck accident. A successful claim can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Texas law allows injured victims to seek full compensation, but strict deadlines apply. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. Deadlines can be longer or shorter depending on the facts of your case, so it is always best to speak with an attorney right away after your accident.
Speak with a Texas Personal Injury Attorney After Your Truck Accident
You may be feeling the burden of paying for your medical bills right now, but it shouldn’t be that way forever. The negligent party who caused your injuries should be the one paying for them, and the other forms of compensation you are potentially owed. Our experienced team knows how to pursue the compensation you are owed.
Let the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Edward O. Moody, P.A. review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.