Brian White | August 22, 2023 | Car Accidents
After a car accident, victims often grapple with more than just the immediate trauma. Lingering physical injuries require long-term recovery, with physical therapy being a common recommendation. Accident victims in Houston, Texas, often wonder, “Does my car insurance cover physical therapy?”
After all, physical therapy is commonly needed following an auto accident. Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers has helped victims receive millions of dollars in rightful compensation, including for physical therapy.
Understanding Texas’s Car Insurance Landscape
Texas uses a “fault” framework for car insurance. This means the driver who causes the accident is responsible for the damages. Therefore, the insurance of the driver at fault is primarily used for covering the medical expenses of the injured party. This includes costs related to car accident physical therapy.
An Overview of Insurance Coverage Types in Houston, TX
Auto insurance policies have four main types of coverage. The types of coverage include:
Liability Insurance
Texas mandates its drivers hold a specified minimum of liability insurance. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, you must have the following minimum coverage:
- $30,000 liability coverage for every injured individual,
- Up to $60,000 per accident, and
- $25,000 for damages to property.
This could cover medical bills, lost earnings, property damage, pain and suffering, and more for the other party if the policyholder is deemed at fault.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
This is an elective coverage drivers might choose. PIP covers medical expenses, lost earnings, and non-medical costs, regardless of fault determination. Thus, even if the policyholder caused the accident, PIP can foot the bill for their car accident therapy.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay is also an optional addition for covering medical expenses, including physical therapy.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This becomes pivotal when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage for your medical expenses.
Understanding how these coverage types may reimburse physical therapy costs is important.
Will Insurance Extend to Car Accident Therapy?
Many wonder, “Who pays for physical therapy after a car accident?” This question hinges on the specifics of the insurance policy and the accident’s nuances. Three main scenarios arise:
- You are not at fault: If you are not at fault, the liability insurance of the driver at fault should address your physical therapy expenses. This will be limited to within their policy limits. In cases where coverage falls short and you’ve availed of the Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, your policy can bridge the gap.
- You are at fault: If you’ve opted for PIP or MedPay in your policy, these coverages can reimburse your physical therapy requirements.
- Shared fault scenarios: Texas adheres to the modified comparative fault principle. For instance, if the accident’s blame is apportioned 20 percent to you, you are still eligible to reclaim 80 percent of your damages from the other party. Your physical therapy coverage will be proportionate to this division in this scenario. However, you will receive no compensation if you are more than 51 percent at fault.
An attorney can review the specifics of your insurance policy and accident to determine which scenario applies.
Steps To Guarantee Physical Therapy Coverage
It is essential to take steps to help get physical therapy coverage. After a car accident, consider doing the following:
- Get Prompt Medical Attention: Consult a medical professional regardless of how you feel post-accident. This step is crucial. It prioritizes your well-being and establishes a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Notify Your Insurer: Contact your insurance company. Promptly reporting the accident and your intention to undergo physical therapy is pivotal.
- Maintain Thorough Documentation: Keep all medical records. If a provider recommends physical therapy, make a special note of it. Important records include therapy schedules, receipts, and communications with the doctor’s office. Comprehensive documentation can strengthen your claim for physical therapy expenses.
- Engage a Personal Injury Lawyer: Insurers may be reluctant to cover physical therapy. If coverage for therapy is denied, consult an experienced car accident attorney in Texas. A seasoned attorney can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate on your behalf. The car accident attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers can help you receive the rightful compensation, including for physical therapy.
Following these steps can help ensure you receive the help you need after an accident.
Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney in Houston, TX
Recovering from a car accident in Houston, Texas, often requires physical therapy. While insurance, in theory, offers coverage, a well-versed personal injury law firm can help you get coverage from the at-fault driver.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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