If you’ve been in a car accident in Billings, Montana, insurance coverage will affect your claim. If you and your passengers suffered bodily injury, do you know what insurance protects you? Do you know if you should turn to your own insurance policy or file a claim with the “at-fault” driver’s insurer? Are you responsible for your passengers and their injuries?

At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, we want to help you navigate the complexities of insurance protection and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Bodily Injury

In Montana, drivers must purchase a minimum amount of car insurance. Driving without insurance is against the law.

Liability Insurance: This is the foundational coverage required by law in Montana. It primarily takes care of damages or injuries you may cause to others if you’re at fault in an accident. However, a significant limitation of liability insurance is that it doesn’t cover injuries you may have sustained in that same crash. This gap highlights the need for additional coverage to ensure comprehensive protection for yourself and your passengers.

In Montana, the minimum liability insurance requirements are:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
  • $20,000 for property damage

However, these minimums often fall short of covering the full extent of damages in a serious accident. Medical expenses, long-term care, and lost wages can quickly exceed these limits. This is why it is essential to have additional coverage and a car accident attorney in your corner after an accident.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): Since Montana is an “at-fault” state, drivers do not have access to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, they do have the ability to purchase an optional MedPay policy. MedPay is similar to PIP in that it provides coverage for your own medical expenses resulting from an accident, even if you are at fault for causing the crash – this is a no fault coverage.  In Montana it can also come in handy if you hit a deer or wildlife and sustain an injury – it can be used to help cover your medical expenses. It’s main use is for immediate medical costs, aiding you and your passengers in receiving necessary treatments without the stress of immediate out-of-pocket expenses.

How Does MedPay Help After a Car Accident?

MedPay simplifies the process of covering medical expenses after an automobile accident. Its primary function is to pay for the medical treatment of injuries sustained by you, the policyholder, and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. 

One of the most significant benefits of MedPay is its ability to cover medical costs immediately following an accident. This immediate coverage is crucial in ensuring that you receive timely medical attention without needing to prove fault. MedPay is a no-fault coverage, meaning it provides benefits regardless of who caused the accident. 

MedPay typically covers a range of medical expenses, including hospital visits, doctor’s fees, surgery, X-rays, ambulance fees, and sometimes even funeral expenses. This broad scope ensures that a variety of medical needs are addressed.

Filing a claim under MedPay with your own car insurance company is generally straightforward. Since it operates independently of fault determination, the claim process can be quicker and less complicated than traditional liability claims.

MedPay can act as a complement for those with health insurance, covering deductibles and co-pays that health insurance might not cover. This can alleviate the financial burden of costly medical treatment after an accident.

What If I Don’t Have MedPay Coverage?

If you don’t have MedPay, your health insurance is the primary resource for covering medical expenses. However, it’s important to be aware of deductibles and co-pays that you’ll be responsible for. Additionally, some health insurance policies may have limitations or exclusions for injuries related to car accidents.

If the other driver is at fault, in Montana their liability insurance should cover your medical expenses related to the crash. However, this can be a lengthy process, as it often involves proving fault and negotiating with the other party’s insurance company.

Without MedPay, you might be paying for medical expenses out of pocket. This can be financially difficult, particularly if the injuries are severe and you don’t have adequate health insurance coverage. 

If you are in a car crash, you will need to talk to an attorney immediately. Lawyers can accurately calculate the total impact of the accident, including future medical costs and emotional trauma. They can identify other potential sources of compensation, such as the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own underinsured motorist coverage, all these may apply in addition to your MedPay coverage. 

In cases where insurance companies dispute your claim, a car accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, speak to an experienced car accident attorney to explore all your legal options for compensation.

Contact Our Billings Car Accident Attorneys

Navigating the insurance claim process after a car accident isn’t easy. However, with the help of an experienced Billings car accident attorney at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, you can get the compensation you need to recover. Our team of car accident lawyers will work tirelessly to help you and your passengers get the money they need – and deserve. To learn more about your legal options, you can fill out a contact form on our website, and we can contact you, or you can call us now at 406-442-7830 and get your immediate questions answered.