A serious car accident can upend your life in an instant and result in extensive medical bills and healthcare costs. Understandably, one of the first questions many accident victims ask is: Who will pay for my medical bills?
At De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Las Vegas, Nevada, are here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have over a century of combined experience and have recovered hundreds of millions for injured clients.
Call us today at (702) 222-9999 to schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney to learn more about your rights.
Why Choose De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to Help After a Car Accident in Las Vegas, NV?
When you’ve been injured in a car crash, choosing the right law firm can make all the difference. At De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless clients recover the money they need for medical bills and other expenses after a crash.
Here’s what sets our Las Vegas car accident attorneys apart:
- A Legacy of Excellence: We are family-founded and built on integrity. Our firm combines decades of legal experience with a proven record of success.
- Deep Local Knowledge: We understand Nevada’s laws, courts, and insurance companies. We use that knowledge to your advantage.
- Client-Focused Representation: We treat every client like family and offer personalized attention and strategies in each case.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer.
Understanding Nevada’s Fault-Based Insurance System
Nevada is a fault-based insurance state. This means that the person who caused the accident is typically responsible for the resulting damages, including your medical bills. This opens up several possible avenues for recovering your medical expenses after a car accident in Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, the at-fault driver’s insurance company won’t pay your bills as they come in. Instead, you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket, use your health insurance, or pursue alternative options until your claim is resolved.
Here are the most common ways accident victims can cover their immediate medical expenses in Nevada:
1. Your Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance or coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, you can use it to pay for your medical care after a crash. While this can help cover a substantial portion of your bills, you may still owe co-pays, deductibles, or non-covered services.
Additionally, your health insurer may file a lien or pursue subrogation to be reimbursed from your eventual car accident settlement or verdict.
2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Many Nevada drivers carry Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. MedPay is optional in Nevada, but it can be extremely helpful. It pays for your reasonable medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who caused the accident.
MedPay typically has lower limits (often $1,000 to $10,000), but it can bridge the gap between your crash and a settlement from the at-fault party.
3. The At-Fault Driver’s Liability Insurance
Ultimately, the person who caused the accident is financially responsible for your medical bills and other damages. Nevada law requires drivers to carry minimum bodily injury liability coverage of:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
These funds are paid after you reach a settlement or win your case, not upfront. That’s why you may need temporary options like MedPay or health insurance in the meantime.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay your medical expenses, you may be able to turn to your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
If you have UM/UIM coverage, it can help pay for:
- Outstanding medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Like MedPay, UM/UIM is optional in Nevada, but it’s strongly recommended.
5. Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurer fail, you may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
However, this may raise another question: “How will I pay a personal injury lawyer?” Most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if your lawyer obtains a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Their fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your award, ranging from 33% to 40% depending on the case.
What If I Can’t Afford Medical Treatment After an Accident?
If you don’t have health insurance or MedPay, and you can’t afford treatment, a personal injury lawyer can help. Many injury law firms work with local physicians and medical providers who may agree to treat you on a lien basis, meaning they’ll wait to get paid from your eventual settlement or court award.
This allows you to get the care you need now without worrying about upfront costs.
Call a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident in Las Vegas, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for recovering compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Call De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney.
