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Lives can be instantly upended by accidents and injuries. During these challenging times, car accident injury lawyers become essential allies. They advocate for those injured by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the important function these lawyers serve in assisting individuals with their claims and restoring normalcy.
Who Should Pay My Medical Bills After My Car Accident?
Car accidents can leave victims with numerous medical bills, and determining who should pay them can be confusing. Here's what you need to know about getting your medical bills covered after a car accident in Iowa.
Insurance Adjuster's Promises
It's common for the insurance adjuster of the at-fault driver to ask for your medical bills, but this doesn't guarantee payment. Often, they'll only pay if you agree to sign a release, closing your claim forever. They may allow your bills to pile up, leading to collection threats, which puts pressure on you to settle for less.
Reliable Sources for Paying Medical Bills
1. Health Insurance
- Your health insurance (through your employer or personally obtained) should cover your medical bills, even for car accidents. Ensure your healthcare providers submit claims to your health insurance.
2. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
- If you have MedPay under your auto insurance, use it to cover co-pays and deductibles. This shouldn't affect your premiums if you weren't at fault.
3. No Health Insurance
- If you lack health insurance or sufficient MedPay, negotiate with healthcare providers for write-offs based on your financial situation.
4. Other Assistance
- If none of the above options work, seek help from local charities, churches, family, or friends.
How to Navigate Your Free Consultation with an Iowa Car Accident Attorney
A free consultation with a car accident attorney can be daunting. Here are essential questions to ask to ease the process and get valuable information:
1. What is your strategy for handling my claim?
- Ensure the strategy includes consistent communication with you.
2. What do you estimate my case is worth?
- An experienced attorney should provide an estimate based on medical bills and policy limits.
3. How much will I have to pay your firm, and when?
- Choose attorneys offering contingency fee services, meaning you only pay if you win.
4. Will you assist in paying my medical bills?
- Confirm if the attorney will help manage your bills after settlement.
5. Will there be charges for post-consultation questions?
- Ensure open communication without extra fees.
Additional Questions
6. What is your communication policy with clients?
- Look for an attorney with an open-door communication policy.
7. What if there's no settlement? What will I owe?
- Verify that no settlement means no fee.
8. What types of compensation will you pursue?
- Ensure the attorney plans to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future loss of income, and future medical treatment.
Iowa’s DUI Laws and How They Apply to Your Claim
In Iowa, if you're injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, understanding how DUI laws apply can help in filing a claim for compensation.
Establishing Fault
Iowa follows a system of modified comparative negligence, allowing you to recover damages if the other party is more than 50 percent at fault. A DUI citation can support your claim, but you must also prove the drunk driver caused the accident.
Evidence of Impairment
Under Iowa Code Chapter 321J.2, a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher is violating DUI laws. Blood, breath, and urine tests, as well as refusal to submit to these tests, are admissible in civil proceedings. Other evidence includes eyewitness testimony, photographs, and expert witness testimony.
Seeking Legal Assistance
Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.
Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.
That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.