Motorcycle crashes are some of the most serious accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. Multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care can cost thousands – even hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is why holding the at-fault party responsible for their actions is critical as that is ensuring they pay you what you are owed.
If you would like more information about securing compensation in a motorcycle accident injury claim or would like to begin the process today, we recommend speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who’ll explain your rights and legal options. And should you choose to file a claim, they will help you establish fault and hold those who caused the crash liable for their actions.
How Are Medical Bills Paid After a Motorcycle Accident?
After a motorcycle crash, the injured victim is typically responsible for paying his or her medical expenses. This is even the case when another party is clearly responsible for the accident. Though if it can be shown someone else was at fault for the collision, the injured victims can recover the costs of their medical bills and other losses by bringing a motorcycle accident claim against the at-fault party.
Paying Medical Bills After an Accident
Medical bills begin to mount soon after a serious accident, and for many injured victims, they continue to do so for months and, in some cases, even years. Looking at the medical bill after medical bill can be extremely overwhelming, especially while you are trying to focus on the healing process.
While health insurance and some car insurance coverage can help you pay your medical expenses, filing a motorcycle accident claim can be the answer to your financial struggles. Under Ohio law, you have the right to take legal action against the party or parties responsible for your injuries and secure financial compensation to cover the economic and non-economic losses they caused.
Medical Expenses and Other Damages
Although medical expenses typically first come to mind, there are many other losses associated with motorcycle accidents. Injured victims can recover damages based on the specifics of their injuries. However, damages commonly sought after in motorcycle accident cases include the following:
- Medical bills
- Costs for ongoing medical care
- Rehabilitative care
- Assistive care
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Lost past and future income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages (when a loved one dies as a result of their injuries)
Car Insurance and Medical Bills
Although it is not required in Ohio, personal injury protection auto insurance or PIP can help you pay for medical bills. Also known as “no-fault insurance,” PIP helps cover expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and even funeral costs after a motorcycle accident, no matter who is at fault. Certain personal injury protection policies will also cover your health insurance deductible.
PIP insurance, however, does not cover property damage, injuries sustained by other motorists, or injuries sustained if you were committing a crime at the time of the accident, such as fleeing the police.
What if I Have Health Insurance Coverage?
If you do not have health insurance, it is important to tell your motorcycle accident attorney right away. They will help you find qualified Ohio medical professionals that can help.
If you do have health insurance, your policy will generally cover some of your medical costs. But keep in mind that you will likely be paying significant out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and co-pays, that you are responsible for. If you bring a successful motorcycle accident claim and are reimbursed for your medical expenses, you will typically have to reimburse your insurance company for the portion of the expenses they covered and any unpaid balances owed to the doctors or hospitals. However, you should also be reimbursed for any payments you make as well.
Some injured victims question whether they should file a personal injury lawsuit if their medical bills are covered by their medical insurance. But it is important to note that it is still worthwhile to file a motorcycle accident claim because medical expenses are just one of the damages you can recover. Your settlement or award will also cover losses, such as lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Comparative Negligence in Ohio
After an accident, determining who is at fault and, therefore, liable for damages is often a difficult task. Many times, more than one party is responsible for the crash. Ohio, along with many other states, follows the comparative negligence rule. This means that even if your actions partially contributed to your motorcycle accident, you might still be able to recover medical bills and other damages from the other party – as long as your share of the blame does not exceed 50%.
However, it is important to understand that the money you receive will be reduced by your share of responsibility. In other words, if it is determined your share of the fault is 20%, your compensation will be reduced by that amount. For example, if you are awarded $200,000, it will be reduced by $40,000 or 20%, and you will ultimately receive $160,000.