Ohio is an at-fault car insurance state. This means that, when a driver’s negligence causes an accident, he or she may be financially liable for harm done to others.
However, even if a negligent motorist has purchased the liability coverage required under state law, an injured driver who was not at fault may end up having to pay medical expenses until he or she reaches a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Can drivers receive “as you go” medical payments?
Even if a driver was not responsible for a collision, he or she may be financially responsible for personal medical expenses that result from the accident until resolving a claim with the other motorist’s insurance carrier.
That may mean that injured drivers are liable for accumulating health care costs, even if the treating physician or hospital initially invoices the liability insurance company.
What if the other driver’s insurance company offers to settle?
An insurance adjuster for an at-fault driver may offer to settle a personal injury claim quickly. This may seem promising to injured motorists with mounting medical bills.
However, accepting a settlement before knowing the full extent and impact of injuries may mean losing out on much-needed compensation for health care needs that may take months or even years to resolve.
Accepting a settlement before treatment of injuries is complete and the full prognosis known may mean signing a release of future claims that prevents non-faulty drivers from collecting payments the law may have entitled them to otherwise. Those concerned about covering ongoing medical payments may want to consider their options carefully before accepting an offer from another driver’s insurance carrier.