Motorists in the Upper Peninsula up tend to be well-acclimated to the hazards of rural driving. From the constant threat of deer sauntering onto the road to the risk of highway hypnosis late at night, there are many safety hazards that drivers need to watch for to ensure their safety on the road.
Unfortunately, even the most safety-conscious drivers might sometimes end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. They may cross paths with a drunk driver or get caught in a mass flight of deer from hunters during rifle season.
Motorists often take for granted that they can receive the medical care they need after a crash thanks to vehicle insurance. However, no-fault reform combined with high rates of uninsured drivers can leave people more financially exposed than they expect. In some cases, debts related to medical care after a car crash could put someone’s assets and future income at risk.
Insurance may not cover all crash expenses
Health insurance pays for care in scenarios where there are no other parties with liability or responsibility for the situation. However, health insurance usually does not cover the full treatment costs related to a car crash. Instead, the company coordinates coverage with automotive insurance providers.
No-fault coverage and the liability coverage of the driver at fault can help pay for someone’s treatment. When there isn’t enough insurance coverage available, the injured party may end up with a significant medical debt that they have to cover on their own. This is a serious risk for those without unlimited no-fault coverage or mediocre health insurance.
What people may not realize is that medical creditors tend to be quite aggressive. Hospitals might either sell a debt to a third-party collection company or may take immediate legal action against the person who cannot pay for their treatment. Hospitals may request a lien against someone’s primary residence if they cannot pay for their care.
The debts that they owe healthcare providers could also potentially lead to wage garnishment and other aggressive forms of debt collection. Filing a lawsuit against the other driver accountable may be one of the only ways to avoid financial hardship after a crash. Holding another party accountable for causing a collision can minimize the economic damage associated with car crash injuries. Those who know what to expect after a crash can use that information to protect themselves from lasting financial hardship.