The aftermath of a Las Vegas car crash can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. On top of dealing with injuries and property damage, you may also wonder who is responsible for medical bills. This can be especially worrisome if you end up in an ambulance ride to the hospital. In this blog, Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at ER Injury attorneys explain who pays for an ambulance after a Las Vegas car crash.
Determining Fault: The First Step in Determining Who Pays for an Ambulance
In Nevada, the system for determining who pays for medical expenses after a car accident operates under the fault-based system. The driver who caused the Las Vegas car crash is financially responsible for the injuries and damages suffered by the other driver(s) and their passengers, which includes the cost of ambulance transportation.
However, under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence rule, things get slightly more complicated. In states with a modified comparative negligence law, each party shares a portion of the blame for the accident, based on their degree of fault. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your degree of fault.
If you were less than 50% at fault for the accident, you are still entitled to receive compensation. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault, you would only be eligible to receive 70% of the damages. If you were more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages.
Determining fault in a Las Vegas car crash can be complicated due to insurance companies that do not want to pay accident victims a fair settlement. This is why you need a car crash attorney after an accident to see that you receive the maximum compensation.
Who Pays for an Ambulance?
Here’s a breakdown of who is typically responsible for paying the ambulance bill after a Las Vegas car crash:
- At-fault driver’s insurance: if you were not at fault for the accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should cover your ambulance expenses. You’ll need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and provide them with necessary documentation.
- Health insurance: if the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost of the ambulance or you haven’t received compensation yet, your health insurance may cover a portion of the bill. Be sure to contact your insurance provider and understand your specific coverage details before making any assumptions.
- MedPay: Nevada MedPay, also known as medical payments coverage, is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy. It helps cover medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. MedPay covers a wide range of medical expenses, including hospital bills and ambulance fees.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: in some cases, you may be responsible for paying a portion of the ambulance bill that isn’t covered by insurance. This can happen if your health insurance has limited coverage or if the at-fault driver’s insurance denies your claim.
Do I Have To Take an Ambulance After a Car Wreck?
Sometimes, after a Las Vegas car crash, you might not have a choice whether or not you end up in an ambulance. While you may not need an ambulance after every car accident, it is often the safest and smartest option, especially if you have suffered any injuries or feel unwell. You have the right to decline an ambulance after a car crash. It is important to consider your own health and safety. If you are unsure about the extent of your injuries or experiencing any discomfort, accepting an ambulance ride is the safest choice.
Even if you feel fine initially, common injuries after a car accident, like whiplash and soft tissue damage, often show symptoms later, making immediate medical evaluation crucial. Seeking medical treatment will provide valuable evidence for your personal injury claim.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Crash Lawyer
Determining who pays for an ambulance after a Nevada car wreck can be complicated. However, it is important to remember not to let concerns about the ambulance bill deter you from seeking the medical attention you need. Even if you are initially responsible for the ambulance bill, other parties may ultimately be responsible for its cost. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Las Vegas car crash caused by the negligence or recklessness of another, contact ER Injury Attorneys today.
Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is here to help you understand your legal options, fight for the compensation you deserve, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We’ve helped clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, and Pahrump obtain damages like pain and suffering, lost wages, and more for their injuries. We are available 24/7 to help those injured in accidents.
Contact us 24/7 by calling 702-878-7878, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form for your free case consultation.