A car accident can leave you with exorbitant medical bills, even if the wreck wasn’t your fault. Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy can cost thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars. You have the right to seek payment for these expenses through insurance or legal action.
Knowing the optimal strategy for how to get compensation for medical bills after a car accident in Las Vegas can help you avoid wasting valuable time and paying for injuries caused by someone else.
From gathering evidence and notifying insurance companies to handling disputes and legal claims, here’s what you need to do to get paid for your medical costs.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention & Document Injuries
Your health comes first and foremost after a crash. Even if you feel fine, go to a doctor right away. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.
To strengthen your claim, keep track of your medical care:
- Take photos of any visible injuries.
- Save all medical records, including doctor’s notes and treatment plans.
- Keep receipts for hospital bills, prescriptions, and therapy sessions.
Report the Accident to the Police in Las Vegas
Nevada law requires you to report an accident if it causes injury, death, or at least $750 in property damage. Call the police so they can file an official report. This document is important when proving that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Collect Evidence for Medical & Legal Claims
To get paid for your medical bills, you need solid proof of what happened and how much you spent.
Key evidence includes:
- Medical bills and records to show treatment costs.
- Photos and videos from the accident scene.
- Witness statements from people who saw the crash.
- Traffic camera or security footage, if available.
Notify Insurance & File a Claim
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Depending on your coverage, you may qualify for payments under:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers medical bills no matter who caused the crash.
- MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage) – Pays medical expenses for you and your passengers.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Covers costs if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Since Nevada is an at-fault insurance state, you can also file a claim against the other driver’s insurance coverage. If you were partially responsible, your payment will be reduced based on Nevada’s comparative fault rule.
If the insurance company delays or denies your claim:
- You may need to file a lawsuit to recover your full medical costs.
- Talk to an attorney for help dealing with insurance disputes.
Filing a Claim for Medical Bill Compensation in Las Vegas Car Accidents
Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance
If another driver caused the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance provider. This process includes:
- Proving Fault – Use police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos.
- Submitting Medical Bills – Send all treatment-related documents to the insurer.
- Negotiating a Settlement – Insurance companies often try to offer low amounts at first, so it’s smart to have a lawyer review the offer before accepting.
Filing through your insurance (MedPay or uninsured motorist coverage)
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance.
- MedPay helps pay medical bills, no matter who caused the accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage.
Requirements to Prove Your Medical Expenses
To recover the full amount for your medical bills, you must provide comprehensive validating documentation, including:
- Medical records from doctors and hospitals.
- Itemized medical bills listing every treatment and cost.
- Proof of lost wages if injuries prevented you from working.
- Statements from medical professionals linking your injuries to the accident.
If you had a pre-existing condition, insurers might try to use that against you. Medical records can help prove whether the accident made your condition worse. If it did, you may still be able to get paid for additional medical expenses.
Common challenges in the claims process
Many people run into issues when trying to get compensated for medical bills, such as:
- Disputes Over Fault: The other driver or their insurer may argue that you were fully or partially responsible.
- Low Settlement Offers: Insurance companies have access to databases of precedent settlement amounts, and thus often try to pay less than what you deserve.
- Complicated Paperwork: Claims must be filed correctly and on time.
- Multiple Insurance Companies: When several insurers are involved, the process takes longer.
- Insurance Tactics: Companies may delay, deny, or reduce claims to avoid large payouts.
How to Handle Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
It can take weeks or months to settle a claim. In the interim, here’s how you can address your mounting medical bills:
- Use Your Health Insurance
- Your health plan can cover immediate costs.
- Talk to the Hospital About Payment Plans
- Many hospitals allow monthly payments or delayed billing for accident victims.
- Consider a Medical Lien
- A car accident attorney can help set up a medical lien, which lets you get treatment now and pay later when your case is settled.
- Keep Track of Every Medical Expense
- Save all bills, prescriptions, therapy costs, and other receipts to support your claim.
Take Action and Secure the Compensation You Deserve
Medical bills shouldn’t burden you after an accident caused by someone else. Gather strong evidence, file your claim, and demand full coverage. If insurers delay or deny payment, legal help can make the difference.
Start your claim today, consult with our experienced lawyer at ACE Law Group, and focus on your recovery.