Being involved in a car accident can be a life-changing event. The shock alone from the accident can lead to emotional trauma, particularly if you are injured. Ideally, you will let your insurance company handle all aspects of recuperating any compensation due to you. This will include monies for damage to your vehicle as well as for your injuries. In addition to medical expenses, you will need to collect compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering. If you have to go through physical therapy, you will want to be compensated for those expenses, as well. Ideally, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket for medical expenses.
Who Is Responsible for Your Physical Therapy Expenses in a Car Accident?
If you are injured in a car accident, there’s a good chance you may have to go through physical therapy to enhance your recovery. Your insurance will be able to help you pinpoint the party that is responsible for paying for the therapy. If the accident is deemed as your fault, your insurance company will pay for the therapy up to a certain amount. The exact policy you have will determine what this limit is.
If the other person is at fault, then their insurance will cover your physical therapy expenses. Oftentimes, there is a medical expense limit in place, such as $30,000. If your expenses exceed this limit, this doesn’t mean the at-fault party’s insurance is not going to cover more. In addition to medical expense coverage, the person’s insurance will likely offer you some type of settlement.
If the other party does not have car insurance and you are not at fault, your insurance still may provide medical coverage to a certain amount. Beyond that amount, you would have to sue the at-fault party to cover your physical therapy expenses.
How Do I Recover Physical Therapy Expenses From an Accident?
The best way to recover physical therapy expenses is through the at-fault party’s insurance. Your insurance company or the other person’s insurance company may try to offer you a low-ball settlement amount. Have an attorney speak with the insurance companies for you and make sure you receive as much money as possible to pay for your physical therapy expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and more.
How to Prove Your Expense?
No matter who is at fault for the accident, you will have to prove your physical therapy expenses in order to receive coverage for them. Many times, the physical therapist that you receive therapy from will bill the insurance company directly. If not, you will need to provide receipts that outline the services rendered as well as doctor notes detailing how the therapy relates to the injury sustained in the car accident.
Paying for Long-Term Injuries That Require Physical Therapy
Many people who are injured in a car accident will have to go through numerous sessions of physical therapy. Sometimes, these sessions can last for many years, especially if the person has suffered from a severe injury. Hopefully, the at-fault party’s insurance will have a liability coverage limit in place that exceeds what you have to pay for physical therapy. If not, you will have to use the settlement funds to pay for your expenses. You can speak with your physical therapist to determine how long it is predicted that it will take you to recover. From there, a settlement amount can be agreed upon with the at-fault party’s insurance that will likely cover your predicted expenses.
Who Do I Bring a Claim Against for Compensation If I Need Physical Therapy?
The entity to which you will bring a claim against compensation if you need physical therapy will depend on the details of the accident. If you were at fault, you will need to speak with your own insurance company. However, because insurance language can be difficult to understand, and because you likely don’t understand all of your rights, it is extremely important to have a qualified attorney speak with your insurance company for you. A physician can even speak with the insurance company to let them know how extensive your injuries are.
If another person is at fault, your claim will need to be brought against that person’s insurance or that person. Hopefully, you will have a lawyer handling all communications for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery and not have to worry about speaking with insurance companies. This lawyer can speak with your physical therapist to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding your injuries and compensation.
Collecting Compensation for Physical Therapy Costs After an Accident
There is an extensive process that must be followed in order to collect compensation for physical therapy after a car accident. All of the involved steps have to be completed thoroughly and effectively the first time around or the process has to be started over. Receiving all monies owed to you will be of the utmost help in covering your physical therapy expenses. It also will help pay for the daily living expenses that you incur while recovering, which can add up quickly and will become a financial burden since you won’t be able to work.