The responsibility for paying your medical bills that result from a motor vehicle accident can be a very complex topic in the state of Michigan. Every situation is different, and it is important to consider the nuances of Michigan auto law when considering the possibilities. As you probably know, Michigan is a “No-Fault” state, which means the state allows any party involved in a motor vehicle accident to gain benefits from their insurance companies, no matter whose fault it was.
It should also be noted that the presence of negligence and/or irresponsible as a cause of the accident is an important consideration, especially if one or more victims were injured because of the auto, truck, or motorcycle accidents.
The process determines who pays medical bills.
If someone is injured in a motor vehicle accident, the victim’s health insurance company will most likely pay first. The auto insurance company is most likely the second payor, but only when Michigan drivers add excess medical benefits as an option to their insurance policy.
Another option is to have primary medical PIP (personal injury benefits) on your auto insurance policy to protect victims injured in a motor vehicle crash by providing medical benefits from their car insurance company. These benefits are rarely covered by auto insurance companies.
Even though choosing to have medical PIP coverage can be more expensive, the insurance benefits can often outweigh the financial costs if you were to be involved in an accident. However, there are some examples where the auto insurer is likely to be the first payor. One example is when a health insurance policy states exclusion of motor vehicle accident-related injuries. In that situation, the health insurance company refuses to pay for medical attention resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
What if You Don’t Have Health Insurance?
If you as a driver do not have a current health insurance policy in the state of Michigan, then the auto insurance company has no choice but to pay. However, the auto insurance company will usually charge a higher medical deductible in this scenario which can become a difficult financial obligation to recover from.
Certain types of insurance may not apply to the situation above, including Medicare and Medicaid. As federally funded options, Medicare and Medicaid are not supposed to be used for motor vehicle-related accidents, so they do not necessarily count as true coverage.
It is your responsibility to notify any healthcare providers that are providing services to you or loved ones who may have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, so they do not unwittingly send medical bills to Medicare or Medicaid rather than submitting them to the auto insurer under the No-Fault law in Michigan.
Here are the steps you should take.
First and foremost, remember to notify your car insurance company as quickly as possible to apply for the No-Fault insurance benefits because there is a strict one-year time limit. If you plan to file a lawsuit against another party involved or responsible for the accident, there is a three-year time limit.
With the changes enacted in 2020, Michigan’s No-Fault Law can be difficult to navigate, especially if there are multiple parties involved. Hiring an auto accident attorney from Bashore Green Law Group can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have an advocate fighting for your rights. You can be reassured to receive the proper care and compensation with a member of our legal team by your side.
Call the experienced auto accident attorneys for help.
If you are a victim of an auto, truck, or motorcycle accident but are in danger of not having your medical bills paid, contact the attorneys at Bashore Green Law Group at (248) 487-1887. We will take every legal step necessary to get the financial compensation you deserve.