After a Maryland car accident, calculating your medical expenses involves more than adding up bills. It’s important to understand which costs qualify, how they’re covered, and what compensation you can claim. A clear grasp of this process can make a big difference in your recovery.
What expenses are recoverable
Under Maryland law, you can recover “reasonable and necessary” medical costs you’ve already paid and those you expect in the future. These include emergency room visits, surgeries, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. The law allows you to claim the total billed amount, even if insurance covered some or all of it.
How initial bills get paid
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is typically your first source of payment. Maryland requires insurers to offer at least $2,500 in PIP, though you may have selected more. PIP pays for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Once PIP is exhausted, your health insurance usually steps in, subject to deductibles and co-pays.
Paying back insurers and PIP
Receiving PIP benefits doesn’t lower your right to collect from the at-fault driver’s insurance. That insurer remains responsible for your total medical costs. However, if your health insurer paid some of your bills, they may seek reimbursement through subrogation. PIP providers cannot claim a portion of your settlement. Medicare may assert a lien but must reduce its claim based on your legal fees.
Future medical costs
When your injuries require long-term care, those anticipated expenses must be included in your claim. Medical experts use records and evaluations to estimate these future needs. Their calculations are key to ensuring you’re fairly compensated.
Insurance companies often question inconsistent treatment or prior health issues to minimize payments. Prompt care, adherence to your doctor’s instructions, and thorough documentation strengthen your claim and help secure full reimbursement.