Understanding Why Auto Insurance Won’t Pay My Medical Bills

Car accidents can result in overwhelming financial burdens, from high medical bills and rehabilitation costs to lost wages and other expenses. In theory, auto insurance is supposed to help cover these costs when you’re injured due to another driver’s negligence. Unfortunately, insurers may not always pay what you expect, and they may even attempt to deny, delay, or limit your medical compensation. In cases where auto insurance won’t pay medical bills, knowing your rights and options becomes crucial to protecting your financial well-being.

Insurance May Deny Medical Coverage Based on Policy Limits

Every insurance policy has a specific coverage limit, which is the maximum amount the insurer will pay for injuries or damages resulting from an accident. Once you’ve reached this limit, the insurer may refuse to cover further medical bills, even if your treatment is ongoing. For instance, if your medical expenses exceed the policy’s limit, you might have to cover the remaining balance yourself. This is especially true with minimal coverage policies, where the limits are often too low to fully cover severe injuries.

Delays and Denials: Tactics Insurers Use to Avoid Paying Medical Bills

Insurance companies may sometimes delay paying medical bills or deny coverage outright. They might argue that your injuries were pre-existing, unrelated to the accident, or not as severe as claimed. In some cases, insurers may require excessive documentation, lengthy investigations, or frequent re-evaluations, all tactics designed to frustrate claimants into accepting lower settlements. Understanding these tactics can help you identify when an insurer is wrongfully withholding payment.

Shared Liability Complications in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

In accidents involving more than one at-fault driver, each party is typically responsible for a portion of the damages. If multiple drivers contributed to the accident, their insurance providers may argue over liability percentages, causing delays or reductions in compensation. This situation complicates the claims process, leaving you, the injured party, waiting for coverage while insurers negotiate responsibility. Working with an experienced attorney can help streamline the process and hold all liable parties accountable.

Employer Responsibility: Accidents Involving Commercial Drivers

If your accident involved a driver who was on the job at the time, the driver’s employer might also be liable for your medical expenses. Employers often carry insurance policies with higher coverage limits, making it more likely that your costs will be covered in full. However, employers and their insurers may still attempt to reduce their payout by disputing fault or claiming the driver was not acting within their job duties during the accident. An experienced attorney can navigate these complexities to maximize your potential recovery.

When Insurance Falls Short, Seek Legal Action

If your auto insurance won’t pay medical bills, or if you’re facing unpaid expenses despite an at-fault driver’s liability, pursuing a legal claim may be your best course of action. When insurance coverage isn’t enough, or insurers refuse to pay fairly, you can seek a judgment for the remaining costs from the responsible party. This may involve holding multiple parties accountable, including the at-fault driver, their employer (if applicable), or even pursuing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from your own insurer.

Contact the Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan for Help with Your Car Accident Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New Mexico, don’t navigate the insurance process alone. At the Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan in Las Cruces, we understand the tactics insurers use and will advocate for your rights to full compensation. Contact us today at (575) 523-2222 for a consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you need to recover.

We are located in Las Cruces and are proud to service the surrounding areas, including Doña Ana, Santo Tomas, La Mesa, Fort Selden, Radium Springs, and beyond.