Home > Research Legal Advice > Car / Auto Accident > When you receive a settlement from an auto accident, are you responsible...
Asked about 1 year ago - Los Angeles, CA
FlagI was told I am responsible for payment.
In an odd way, you may be responsible to both the medical insurer and the healthcare providers. Typically, when you receive care for an injury caused by an accident, and you have healthcare insurance, the doctors will submit the bills for payment to the healthcare insurer. Technically, you remain the "responsible party" for any amounts incurred with the doctors, and for any "co-pays", and for the bill in general if the insurance does not cover you. At the same time, the healthcare insurer, under your contract of insurance, maintains subrogation rights to pursue reimbursement for amounts paid on your behalf for injuries caused by a third party's negligence. In many cases, the amounts owed can be negotiated down and compromised to maximize your personal recovery. It's these kinds of issues that arise (which many "lay people don't recognize) that an experienced PI lawyer can recognize and deal with in an effort to make sure that you are fully compensated for your injuries. If you do not have counsel to represent you in your auto accident case, I would suggest that you consult with one, to make sure that you get the most out of your claim.
Most of these releases include language that makes you responsible for any outstanding liens or contractual obligations, which include reimbursements to your health insurer. Resolving these obligations can be complicated and cumbersome, particularly for someone unfamiliar with the process and procedures.
I would strongly encourage you to speak to an injury attorney before agreeing to any settlement. You may have rights you hadn't considered. That attorney will be able to provide more detailed advise about who you should speak with to determine which of your health care providers may have a lien or reimbursement pending and provide an estimate of what that obligation may be.
Good Luck!
The terms of the settlement release that you signed in exchange for the check you received dictate whether you are responsible. Oftentimes the insurance company will require you to pay all outstanding bills out of any settlement, and will require you to reimburse them if you fail to do so. In addition, it is your responsibility to reimburse Medicare for any benefits it may have paid on your behalf. In the event your own health insurance provider paid benefits on your behalf, you may have an obligation to reimburse it as well. This will depend on the terms and conditions of your benefits plan.
Yes you are, unless the terms of the settlement say differently.
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Mr. Lundeen is licensed to practice law in Florida and Vermont. The response herein is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. The response is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter within the question. Oftentimes the question does not include significant and important facts and timelines that, if known, could significantly change the reply and make it unsuitable. Mr. Lundeen strongly advises the questioner to confer with an attorney in your state in order to ensure proper advice is received.
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