Long-term care and rehabilitation needs following a car accident can vary depending on the nature and severity of the injuries sustained. Many car accident victims may require physical therapy to regain mobility and strength, while others may need cognitive rehabilitation to address mental impairments. Additionally, some individuals may need extended care such as in-home nursing or assisted living in order to cope with their disabilities.
If you suffered a car accident, then the medical expenses related to your long-term care or rehab may be covered by the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Still, the process for pursing a claim against another driver can be complex. Guidance from the team at our law firm can be highly valuable when building your case and negotiating for adequate compensation.
Get help from our Tennessee car accident lawyers at Howe Law by dialing (844) 876-4357.
Paying for Long-Term Care or Rehab After a Car Accident in Tennessee
Facing the aftermath of a car accident in Tennessee can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to covering the costs of long-term care or rehabilitation. Responsibility for these expenses will be determined by assessing fault for the crash.
The At-Fault Driver’s Liability
In Tennessee, the at-fault driver in a car accident is generally responsible for covering the medical expenses of the injured parties. This means that the negligent driver who caused the accident is obligated to compensate you for your long-term care or rehabilitation. The extent of their liability will depend on the specifics of the accident and the severity of your injuries.
Insurance Company Responsibility
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is typically the entity that will cover the costs associated with your long-term care or rehabilitation. It is important to keep in mind that insurance coverage requirements can vary, and the at-fault driver may have different types and levels of insurance. Still, Tennessee law mandates that all drivers have liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage, which can be used to compensate you for your medical expenses.
It is essential to note that insurance companies may not always willingly provide fair compensation for your long-term care needs. You may face challenges when dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurer as they attempt to minimize their liability. Fortunately, our Murfreesboro, TN car accident attorneys can help negotiate with the insurance company and fight for the financial compensation you deserve.
Navigating the Legal Process
If you find yourself in a situation where you need long-term care or rehabilitation because of a car accident in Tennessee, support from legal representation can be highly beneficial. Our legal team can help you navigate each step of the legal process, negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Can Defendants Get Out of Paying for Medical Expenses that Your Insurance Covered in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, benefits that did not come from the defendant cannot be used to lower their burden for your medical bills. In other words, defendants cannot get out of paying for medical expenses just because they were covered by your insurer.
The Tennessee Supreme Court’s decision on November 17, 2017, clarified the use of evidence for proving medical expenses in car accident cases. In a case involving a crash victim named Jean Dedmon, the court ruled that plaintiffs can continue to present full, undiscounted medical bills as evidence, even if they have insurance. This decision stemmed from the West v. Shelby County Healthcare Corporation case, which only applied to hospital lien cases and did not change the rules for other personal injury cases. The court rejected the argument to value medical services like houses or cars because it conflicts with the “collateral source rule” preventing the use of unrelated payments to reduce liability. Despite acknowledging the rule’s imperfections, the court maintained its application in our state, allowing plaintiffs to use full medical bills as proof of reasonable medical expenses and prohibiting defendants from using discounted insurance rates.
How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters When Seeking Payment for Long-Term Care of Rehab After a Car Crash in Tennessee
Insurance adjusters are individuals employed by insurers to assess claims and negotiate settlements. Effective communication with insurance adjusters is essential when seeking compensation for your car accident-related expenses, including long-term care or rehabilitation.
Seek Immediate Guidance from Our Attorneys
Guidance from our legal professionals can be invaluable when dealing with insurance adjusters. We can help you navigate the negotiation process, advocate for your rights, and ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company’s tactics. Accordingly, you should ideally seek support from our team before engaging in any communications with an insurance agent.
Open and Transparent Communication
When communicating with insurance adjusters, it’s vital to be open and honest about your injuries, medical treatment, and any related costs. You have to provide accurate information to support your claim. Further, you must refrain from embellishing or downplaying your injuries.
Be Cautious with Written or Recorded Statements
When providing a statement to an insurance company, it is crucial that you avoid saying anything that can be construed as an admission of fault. Thankfully, our legal team can offer thorough guidance during any communications with an insurer. We will help you avoid making mistakes that could hurt your case.
Watch for Lowball Offers
Insurance adjusters might initially present settlement offers that are far below what you need to cover your expenses adequately. Our team can help recognize these lowball offers and avoid settling without a thorough evaluation of your damages.
Document Everything
Lastly, our attorneys can help you keep meticulous records of all interactions with insurance adjusters, including emails, letters, and phone conversations. This documentation can serve as evidence in case of any disputes or discrepancies.
Call Our Car Accident Attorneys for Assistance with Your Case in Tennessee
Seek help from our Nashville car accident lawyers by calling Howe Law at (844) 876-4357 for a free case assessment.
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