Question from a reader:
I was involved in a 10:0 accident and have sustained a mild whiplash and injuries. I am currently visiting the hospital, but I have not yet paid for the treatment. In this case, will the money be transferred later?

How to Handle Medical Expenses After a 10:0 Accident

Being involved in an accident can have a significant impact
on both your physical and mental well-being. Especially when you suffer from mild whiplash or injuries, various effects can arise in your subsequent life. Recently, a reader asked, “How are medical expenses paid after an accident?” This time, I would like to consider this from a legal perspective.

The Situation of the Accident and Legal Background

First, let’s clarify the questioner’s case. A 10:0 accident refers to a situation where one party is completely at fault. This means the questioner is the victim, and the insurance company of the at-fault party will bear the medical expenses. What is important here is the timing of the payment for medical expenses. While it seems that you are visiting the hospital immediately after the accident, we need to think about how to proceed regarding the fact that you have not paid for the treatment.

Basic Mechanism of Medical Expense Payments

When involved in an accident, it is crucial to understand the existence of “mandatory insurance” and “voluntary insurance.” Mandatory insurance is a type of insurance that all vehicles must have, covering basic liability. However, there is a limit to the compensation amount, and amounts exceeding this limit are typically covered by voluntary insurance. If the responsibility for the accident is clear and the other party has insurance, the medical expenses will be paid by the other party’s insurance company. This means that the medical institution where you received treatment may be billed directly, or the money may be transferred to you. In fact, contacting the insurance company immediately after the accident and requesting the procedure for payment of medical expenses is the first step toward a smooth resolution.

Actual Processing Flow

Let me explain the specific flow. After the accident, it is important to first communicate the details of the accident to the other party’s insurance company. The insurance company will conduct an investigation regarding the accident and proceed with the procedures for paying your medical expenses. 1. Accident Report: Report the details of the accident to the insurance company. Be as detailed as possible about the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. 2. Obtain a Medical Certificate: Get a medical certificate from your doctor. This will be necessary for claiming medical expenses, so make sure to obtain it. 3. Start Treatment: Begin treatment based on the medical certificate. You can claim the medical expenses from the insurance company later. 4. Submit Invoice: Once treatment is completed, submit the invoice to the insurance company. This will initiate the payment of your medical expenses. In this way, the procedures after the accident proceed in a series of steps. If you have any concerns, it is also a good idea to ask the insurance company representative directly. They are experts and will provide you with the necessary information accurately.

Possibility of Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Now, while medical expenses are generally paid by the other party’s insurance, there may be cases where out-of-pocket expenses arise. For example, certain treatments may not be covered by insurance, or the necessity of treatment may not be recognized. In such cases, you may have to pay for the treatment yourself. Therefore, it is important to carefully check the details of the medical expenses and prepare the necessary documents. Additionally, you may also be able to claim transportation costs associated with hospital visits and lost wages from work. These costs are also included within the responsibility of the at-fault party, so be sure to claim them as well.

Conclusion and Advice

Finally, when you are involved in an accident, the burden on both your body and mind is significant. Focusing on treatment should be the top priority, and you want to ensure that legal procedures proceed as smoothly as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, I recommend consulting with a legal expert or a representative from the insurance company. Even as a student, I have learned about various cases from a legal perspective and have faced issues related to actual accidents. It is crucial to receive appropriate support in such times. I hope this blog can be of some help to you, who have been involved in an accident. I believe that taking care of yourself and focusing on treatment is the first step toward a better future.