If I Go to the Hospital After a Car Accident, Who Pays?

Donald D'Aunoy • October 18, 2024

After a car accident, seeking medical attention should always be your priority, but it often raises the question of who will cover the costs. Hospital bills can add up quickly, especially if the injuries require emergency treatment, surgeries, or ongoing care. Understanding who is responsible for these expenses is crucial to avoid financial stress. In general, insurance coverage, liability determinations, and your own legal actions will dictate who ultimately pays for your medical bills.


Your Health Insurance: First in Line

If you have health insurance, your provider will usually cover your initial medical expenses after a car accident. This includes hospital visits, tests, and immediate care. However, these payments are typically made under the assumption that they will be reimbursed later if a third party is found liable for the accident. This process is called “subrogation.” Essentially, your health insurer pays now but seeks reimbursement once the accident claim is settled. Therefore, while your health insurance can alleviate immediate financial concerns, it does not mean you are free from the obligation of covering these costs in the long term.


Auto Insurance and Medical Payments Coverage

Your own auto insurance policy may include Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), which can be used to cover your medical expenses regardless of fault. This is especially useful if you do not have health insurance or if your health plan has high deductibles. MedPay is designed to pay for reasonable and necessary medical expenses, such as hospital visits, X-rays, and follow-up treatments. It can also cover other passengers in your vehicle who are injured in the accident. However, like health insurance, MedPay may seek reimbursement from the at-fault party once liability is established.


Who is the At-Fault Party?

If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses up to the policy limits. In this scenario, their insurance will pay for your hospital bills, follow-up treatments, and rehabilitation costs. However, this process can take time as the insurance companies investigate the accident and determine fault. During this period, you may have to rely on your health insurance or MedPay coverage to bridge the gap. This is where having a car accident attorney in New Orleans can make a difference. An experienced lawyer will ensure that the at-fault party’s insurance pays out fairly and promptly.


What If I’m Partially at Fault?

Louisiana follows a “comparative negligence” rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you would only receive 80% of the total damages. This makes it even more important to have a knowledgeable attorney representing your case. They can argue for a lower percentage of fault on your part, maximizing your compensation and helping cover your medical expenses.


The Role of a Car Accident Attorney in New Orleans

Navigating the complex world of insurance claims, liability disputes, and healthcare reimbursements can be overwhelming, especially when recovering from injuries. A car accident attorney in New Orleans can handle all communication with the insurance companies, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurer, manage your health insurer’s subrogation claims, and work to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.


Get Legal Help Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, understanding who pays for your hospital bills can be challenging. Factors like health insurance, MedPay, and liability coverage all come into play, making the process complex and time-consuming. Don’t leave it up to chance. Contact an experienced car accident attorney in New Orleans to guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected. With professional legal help, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney fights for fair compensation. Call today for a free consultation!

By Donald D'Aunoy May 12, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, the urge to stay connected at all times can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when it comes to texting while driving . This act, seemingly harmless for those who believe they can multitask , has proven to be a significant cause of accidents on the road . As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans , I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that a moment’s distraction can have on lives and families. This blog post aims to shed light on the real dangers of texting while driving and why it’s a risk not worth taking . The Reality of Distracted Driving Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving that has garnered national attention due to its high potential for causing accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road to send a text, they are not just diverting their visual attention but also their manual and cognitive focus away from driving. This triple threat significantly increases the likelihood of an accident. Studies have shown that texting while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time as much as alcohol consumption. The reality is stark: drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who don’t. The Legal Implications in Louisiana In Louisiana, the law is clear: texting while driving is illegal. This legislation reflects a growing awareness of the dangers associated with mobile phone use behind the wheel. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I have navigated the complexities of Louisiana’s distracted driving laws to advocate for victims of such negligence. The legal system in our state recognizes the severe risks posed by texting and driving, imposing penalties on those who disregard this law. However, beyond the legal consequences, the real cost of texting while driving can be measured in human lives — the injuries and fatalities that could have been avoided. The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer When accidents caused by texting while driving occur, the victims often face a long road to recovery. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens are common aftermaths. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, my role is to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Through meticulous investigation and leveraging Louisiana’s distracted driving laws, I work to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. My commitment to my clients goes beyond legal representation; it’s about restoring their peace of mind and helping them rebuild their lives. Conclusion The dangers of texting while driving are clear, and the consequences are too severe to ignore. It’s a societal issue that requires collective action — from stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws to individuals committing to never text and drive. As a community, we must prioritize safety over convenience to prevent needless accidents and loss of life. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, know that you are not alone. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I am here to offer the legal support and guidance needed to navigate the aftermath of such incidents. In conclusion, texting while driving is a dangerous practice that puts everyone on the road at risk. The momentary satisfaction of sending a text is never worth the potential for causing harm. Let’s commit to keeping our roads safe by keeping our phones down and our focus on the road ahead. If you find yourself in need of assistance or legal advice following a distracted driving accident , do not hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans who can help protect your rights and interests.
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In today’s fast-paced world, the urge to stay connected at all times can lead to dangerous consequences, especially when it comes to texting while driving . This act, seemingly harmless for those who believe they can multitask , has proven to be a significant cause of accidents on the road . As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans , I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that a moment’s distraction can have on lives and families. This blog post aims to shed light on the real dangers of texting while driving and why it’s a risk not worth taking . The Reality of Distracted Driving Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving that has garnered national attention due to its high potential for causing accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road to send a text, they are not just diverting their visual attention but also their manual and cognitive focus away from driving. This triple threat significantly increases the likelihood of an accident. Studies have shown that texting while driving can delay a driver’s reaction time as much as alcohol consumption. The reality is stark: drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who don’t. The Legal Implications in Louisiana In Louisiana, the law is clear: texting while driving is illegal. This legislation reflects a growing awareness of the dangers associated with mobile phone use behind the wheel. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I have navigated the complexities of Louisiana’s distracted driving laws to advocate for victims of such negligence. The legal system in our state recognizes the severe risks posed by texting and driving, imposing penalties on those who disregard this law. However, beyond the legal consequences, the real cost of texting while driving can be measured in human lives — the injuries and fatalities that could have been avoided. The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer When accidents caused by texting while driving occur, the victims often face a long road to recovery. Physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens are common aftermaths. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, my role is to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Through meticulous investigation and leveraging Louisiana’s distracted driving laws, I work to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. My commitment to my clients goes beyond legal representation; it’s about restoring their peace of mind and helping them rebuild their lives. Conclusion The dangers of texting while driving are clear, and the consequences are too severe to ignore. It’s a societal issue that requires collective action — from stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws to individuals committing to never text and drive. As a community, we must prioritize safety over convenience to prevent needless accidents and loss of life. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, know that you are not alone. As a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, I am here to offer the legal support and guidance needed to navigate the aftermath of such incidents. In conclusion, texting while driving is a dangerous practice that puts everyone on the road at risk. The momentary satisfaction of sending a text is never worth the potential for causing harm. Let’s commit to keeping our roads safe by keeping our phones down and our focus on the road ahead. If you find yourself in need of assistance or legal advice following a distracted driving accident , do not hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in New Orleans who can help protect your rights and interests.
By Donald D'Aunoy April 23, 2025
Festivals in New Orleans are a time of celebration, music, food, and community. From Mardi Gras to French Quarter Fest, the streets come alive with excitement. However, with all the joy and chaos, the risk of car accidents significantly increases. Crowded streets, distracted drivers, and an influx of tourists unfamiliar with local roads can quickly […]
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