If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you will likely find it very difficult to navigate the aftermath. This includes not only conducting an investigation to determine how the crash happened and to collect evidence, but also determining how you will pay your medical expenses. Many bikers wonder if their health insurance will cover the injuries they have suffered after a crash.
This is a valid concern, as you will need to receive medical treatment while also avoiding undue stress. Below, one of our Adel motorcycle accident lawyers explains whether health insurance will cover your injuries.
Health Insurance Generally Covers Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Generally speaking, health insurance policies will cover your medical expenses after an injury. This includes any injuries you sustained during a motorcycle accident. It is important to note, however, that the extent of coverage you qualify for may vary depending on the specifics of your health insurance plan.
One of the first steps to take after any motorcycle accident in Georgia is to review your health insurance policy. This will help you determine the type of injuries that are covered, as well as the different types of treatment for which you can receive coverage. Reviewing your policy can also help you determine any limitations on your coverage or the deductibles you may have to pay.
Deductibles are the payments you must make before receiving any coverage. MedPay is also a type of coverage you can purchase to cover some of your immediate medical expenses after an accident. MedPay coverage is optional in Georgia, but it is recommended that all motorists, including motorcyclists, purchase this type of coverage.
If you have purchased MedPay, it is available regardless of who caused the accident, or if you contributed to the crash. MedPay can also help you cover the costs of treatments and other expenses your health insurance does not cover, as well as any deductibles you may be responsible for paying.
Factors to Consider Regarding Health Insurance Coverage
To ensure that you receive the full coverage you need after a motorcycle accident, there are many factors you need to consider regarding your health insurance. The main factors to consider are as follows:
- Subrogation: Subrogation is one of the most important factors to consider regarding health insurance after a motorcycle accident. If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you can file a claim against them to receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and more. After receiving a settlement from the liable party’s insurance company, your insurer may have subrogation rights. This means they can claim a portion of your settlement to cover the cost of expenses the insurance company has already paid.
- Pre-authorization: Many insurance companies require you to obtain pre-authorization for certain types of treatment. If you do not get this pre-authorization before receiving those treatments, the insurance company may deny you for failing to obtain the pre-authorization, or if the treatment is not covered. Reviewing your policy thoroughly can help you determine whether you need to get pre-authorization before receiving a certain type of treatment.
- Network restrictions: It is not uncommon for insurance companies to have a network of approved providers. If your insurer has such a network, you can only receive treatment from the providers within that network. Like pre-authorized treatments, if you do not comply with this rule and receive treatment outside of the network, it could place any coverage you are entitled to in jeopardy.
- Insurer bias: Unfortunately, many insurance companies carry a bias against motorcyclists. They view them as reckless and dangerous, even though that is not the case. Even when filing a claim with your own insurance company, they may be hesitant to provide the full coverage you deserve due to these biases. You should seek the help of a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer who can represent you, fight back against these biases, and help you obtain the fair coverage you are entitled to.
Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Adel for a Free Consultation
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Adel motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to exclusively helping bikers after they suffer injury and we can put that expertise to work for you, too. We will review your case free of charge, provide the sound legal advice you need, and help you obtain the full and fair compensation that is rightfully yours. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to get the legal help you need.