After an accident occurs a victim may have a plethora of questions regarding the next steps in the injury process. Apart from the amount of time it takes to heal, a trip to the ER and doctor visits can quickly add up to five and six figure sums.

So who pays for medical bills after an auto accident in Kansas City?

Kansas City is an interesting locale as it straddles state borders of two states – Kansas and Missouri. We examine who is responsible for medical bills in these states as each jurisdiction has their own rules and regulations.

While a defendant, or a defendant’s insurance provider, may ultimately have to pay for the medical bills, pain and suffering and emotional damages of a victim, the compensation may be delayed for several reasons. Delays can be especially true if the case goes to trial.

Who Pays for Medical Bills in Missouri?

Auto accidents can result in a plethora of injuries from minor bumps and bruises to fatal accidents. In 2015, there were 869 fatalities resulting from auto accidents in Missouri.

The State of Missouri is a comparative fault state – meaning that the negligent individual that caused injuries is responsible for their percentage of the accident and are required to attribute compensation to a victim. However, if the court goes to trial or if there are delays with an insurance payout, the medical bills may be outstanding for a significant amount of time.

The negligent or at-fault party, along with their insurance company, is responsible for paying for the medical bills caused in the accident. If you do not believe that the insurance company or the at-fault party is paying a fair amount for the damages caused, the assistance of an attorney can help fight for the adequate compensation needed for the bills and damages suffered.

If a victim is uninsured and faces extreme financial hardships, there may also be medical bill relief provided by the emergency room or treatment center. However, it is important to remember that this varies from one hospital to the next and never expect that medical bills may be paid for by the good-will of another. While it is possible that a portion of a victim’s medical bills can be paid for by a trust or another party, it is far more possible that these medical bills will need to be paid by the at-fault party or their insurance company.

Who Pays for Medical Bills in Kansas?

Kansas is a no fault state. The State of Kansas also requires personal injury protection coverage (PIP). Personal Injury protection is required in Kansas as all drivers are required to carry coverage for personal injury. PIP benefits help pay for some of the medical bills up to the holder’s policy limits.

In states that are “no-fault states”, the payments for some or all of your medical bills can be paid by your own insurance company up to the policy limits of the coverage.

Once an injured victim involved in a car accident reaches the maximum policy amount of their auto insurance, an individual that possesses health insurance can, and in many cases will, begin to pay for an injured victim’s medical bills. This is especially true if an individual is under a state run health insurance program. Medicare and Medicaid will help pay for a victim’s bills in Kansas.

If an injured victim does not possess an insurance plan offered through their State, or health insurance via their employer or another means, an injured victim in the accident may be responsible for the bill. If you believe that you fit into this category, it is important to discuss your options with a car accident attorney.