Coping with the days, weeks, and months after an auto accident in Southern California can be stressful and overwhelming. As you work on your physical recovery from the injuries you suffered in the accident, you may wonder how you’ll afford the costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unexpected expenses stemming from the incident. One of the biggest concerns for auto accident victims is how they’ll cover their medical bills, as these can cause significant financial strain on recovering individuals. Let’s take a look at how you can ensure your medical bills are paid following an auto accident in Temecula or Murrieta.
Filing a Claim With Your Auto Insurance
Following the auto accident, you should contact your auto insurance company to report the incident and file a claim. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be able to receive coverage for the medical costs stemming from the accident. Additionally, you should explore your health insurance policy to see if your coverage extends to visits or treatments associated with your auto accident injury.
Pursuing Compensation From the Other Party’s Insurance
Under California law, drivers must carry a minimum of $15,000 in liability coverage. When a driver causes an accident, their coverage will go towards paying the victim’s medical bills. However, the driver’s policy limits will determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to recover. You may find that you’ll need additional payment sources to cover the entirety of your medical costs following the accident.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver
For more substantial injuries whose costs will likely exceed insurance policy limits, you may want to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible for your injuries. While you may recover a fair amount of compensation eventually, it’s important to recognize that you’ll have to wait several months—or even years—before obtaining a settlement. Negotiations often take a considerable amount of time, so prepare yourself to face the financial challenges of a delayed settlement. No matter the specifics of your situation, working with a knowledgeable Temecula auto accident lawyer is the best way to move forward with confidence.
Learn more about how to recover compensation following an auto accident injury in Temecula or Murrieta by calling Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320.