A car accident can leave you with more than just fixing your vehicle — it can take a serious toll on your health, finances, and quality of life. Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain can add up fast, with true car accident costs often reaching tens of thousands of dollars.
So, who pays for medical bills after a car accident in Colorado? And how do you get compensated for what you’ve lost? Understanding how medical bills are handled in Colorado after a car accident can help protect yourself from this financial burden.
At Manning Herington Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped hundreds of Colorado victims get the help and justice they deserve. In this post, we’ll explain the real cost of a car accident and how you pay for your medical bills and pain and suffering.
Understand Your True Car Accident Costs
The financial impact of a car accident is far-reaching. Victims often deal with hefty medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. These expenses can add up quickly, putting unimaginable financial stress on your loved ones.
Car accident expenses generally fall into two categories:
Short-Term Costs:
- Emergency medical care: Ambulance rides, ER visits, and immediate treatments.
- Upfront medical bills: Surgery, hospital stays, and immediate treatments.
- Temporary lost wages: Time off work during recovery.
- Vehicle repairs: Fixing or replacing a damaged car.
Long-Term Costs:
- Ongoing medical care: Surgeries, rehabilitation, specialist visits, and follow-up care.
- Permanent disability: Modifications to your home, mobility aids, or in-home care.
- Perpetual loss of income: If injuries lead to disability or prevent returning to work.
- Chronic pain and suffering: Conditions requiring long-term pain management.
- Emotional distress: PTSD, anxiety, or depression following an accident.
- Increased car accident medical insurance rates: Premium hikes after filing a claim.
How Do You Pay Medical Bills After a Car Accident
Medical expenses are often the most immediate and overwhelming burden after an accident in Colorado. Whether it’s emergency treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, or long-term medical care, the costs can be significant. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for these expenses.
Here are a few common medical expenses you can recover after an accident:
- Emergency Care: Ambulance fees, ER visits, diagnostic tests, and immediate medical evaluations.
- Hospitalization & Surgeries: Costs associated with extended hospital stays, surgeries, and intensive care.
- Rehabilitation & Therapy: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management.
- Medications & Follow-Up Appointments: Prescription drugs, specialist consultations, and ongoing medical check-ups.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
- At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: Colorado follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is typically liable for medical costs.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Covers medical expenses regardless of fault, helping reduce immediate out-of-pocket costs.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): While not required in Colorado, personal injury protection can cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Medical Bills After a Car Accident Settlement
One of the most common questions about car accidents is how you pay for medical bills after the settlement. The short answer is your settlement should cover both past and future medical expenses.
However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. But with the help of a skilled car accident attorney, you can get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Here’s what they can help you with:
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Potential
Car accident injuries can prevent victims from working, leading to lost wages and financial instability. Whether temporary or permanent, the impact on income can be severe.
- Missing work due to hospitalization or recovery.
- Using sick leave or paid time off that may not cover all your lost earnings.
- Sometimes, permanent injuries may prevent you from returning to your previous jobs.
- Severe injuries might force you to take lower-paying jobs or work reduced hours.
Proving Lost Wages in Colorado
To recover compensation for lost wages, you should provide:
- Pay stubs and tax returns to document pre-accident earnings.
- Employer statements confirming time off and income loss.
- Medical records proving injury-related work restrictions.
Pain and Suffering: The Hidden Cost of a Car Accident
The physical and emotional toll of a car accident often extends beyond medical bills and lost wages. Pain and suffering can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s quality of life.
- Physical Pain: Chronic pain, nerve damage, and mobility issues.
- Emotional Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and loss of confidence.
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to engage in hobbies or daily activities due to injuries.
How Pain & Suffering Damages Are Calculated in Colorado
- Multiplier Method: The total medical expenses are multiplied by a specific number based on the severity of your injuries.
- Per Diem Method: A daily compensation rate is assigned for the duration of pain and recovery.
How Insurance Affects Your Compensation in Colorado
Insurance coverage helps determine the compensation you can receive in Colorado. Knowing how different types of insurance work can help you get rightful compensation.
This coverage varies based on your policy:
- Liability Coverage: Pays for damages when the policyholder is at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Helps cover expenses if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
- Collision & Comprehensive Insurance: Covers vehicle repairs and property damage.
However, dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging, as their goal is often to minimize payouts. Insurance companies may offer low settlements that do not fully cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Sometimes, they may resort to unethical practices to deny your claims. These bad faith practices can leave you with no or inadequate compensation. Hiring a competent car accident lawyer can help you effectively negotiate a settlement and push back against unfair offers.
Let Us Help You Seek Compensation for Your Losses
Car accidents result in medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, making fair compensation crucial for your recovery. However, insurance companies often try to settle a claim with a lowball offer. That’s where a skilled lawyer comes in. They can help you negotiate a settlement that covers your present and future expenses.
If you are looking for a car accident lawyer in Colorado, look no further than Manning Herington. We’ve helped hundreds of car crash victims get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in Colorado?
Colorado’s statute of limitations is three years for personal injury claims.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?
You can claim damages under your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
How much compensation can I receive for pain and suffering?
It depends on factors like injury severity and insurance policy limits.
