As a Southern California motorist, you share crowded freeways and busy city streets with other drivers who do not always have their eyes on the road. In the aftermath of an accident in which you experience serious injuries, you likely have questions. Who pays for the ambulance in a car accident? Will my insurance cover the bill? Our Riverside car accident attorneys at the JLF Firm can answer your questions.
What Does an Ambulance Ride Cost in Southern California?
The cost of ambulance transportation in Southern California is one of the highest in the nation and could cost as much as $1,200 for the ride alone. The total bill can vary depending on any emergency treatment your transport medical team administers during the ride, including:
- Vital IV fluids
- The use of a cervical collar
- Emergency oxygen
It may take time for California authorities and insurance investigators to determine fault for the accident. In the meantime, you hold responsibility for the ambulance bill.
What If the Accident Was Not My Fault?
Determining the cause of a car crash in Southern California can take days or even weeks, during which time you remain liable for the cost of the ambulance. If the investigation determines the other driver is responsible for the crash, that individual’s car insurance pays for the ambulance and any other related costs.
Because California is a tort state and there are no laws requiring you to carry Personal Injury Protection that covers the cost of medical bills, you can submit the cost of the ambulance ride to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Does It Matter Who Called the Ambulance After My Accident?
After your car accident, you may have been unable to speak or respond to questions. If a bystander calls emergency medical services on your behalf, the ambulance service bills you, the patient, and not the individual who called.
Does Insurance Cover Ambulance Ride Costs?
Once the authorities and insurance investigators prove the accident was the fault of another party, that driver’s insurance company is responsible for the cost of the ambulance ride. However, the insurance carrier may require proof that the ambulance transport was medically necessary. Our attorneys can represent you when an insurance company becomes uncooperative regarding your ambulance bill.
What California State Law Defines When an Ambulance Is Medically Necessary?
The California Welfare and Institution Code notes that individuals over the age of 21 require an ambulance under several different conditions, including:
- To prevent loss of life
- To seek assistance for severe pain
- To immediately treat a life-threatening illness or injury
Our attorneys can prove that your ambulance transport met one or more of these conditions and hold the at-fault driver responsible. We use a variety of reports to gain proof, such as police reports and witness accounts. If necessary, we will call these individuals to trial to meet the burden of proof your case requires.
Will Health Insurance Cover an Ambulance Ride in Southern California?
If you have private health insurance, it is possible your coverage will cover the bill for an ambulance ride. However, if the cost of any other injuries exceeds the limits of that coverage, you may find yourself responsible for those additional costs.
If you reach the limits of your health insurance coverage due to your injuries, the ambulance bill may go into collections, which may result in calls or letters demanding payment. This additional stress could impede your healing. Our attorneys can negotiate with the ambulance company and put a hold on collections until we take your case to trial.
Can You Add the Cost of an Ambulance to a Personal Injury Case?
If your medical bills cost more than your policy covers, you may find yourself responsible for them, including the cost of an ambulance ride. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement, our attorneys will take your case to trial and request compensation for all your medical costs.
Speak to our attorneys before you accept any settlement offer. We will review settlement offers and insurance investigator reports to ensure you do not accept an offer that will continue to keep you in debt.
What If I Needed Ambulance Transport to Other Medical Facilities?
If you have serious injuries after a Southern California car accident, you may require transport to another hospital that has the equipment to better care for you. Since it is likely the ambulance service will bill you more than once for each transport, the cost can quickly skyrocket.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may refuse to cover multiple transport costs. Our attorneys will add these costs to the overall value of your case and request compensation when we go to trial.
What If I Need Ambulance Transport for Future Medical Appointments?
Serious injuries resulting from a car accident could keep you in the hospital for months and require future medical transport to other facilities for physical therapy or specialized treatment. If you require ambulance transport to future treatment, our lawyers will add the cost to the total cost of your overall compensation. This includes the use of any medical equipment required during such trips, including supplemental oxygen and IV administration.
Contact Us Today With Your Southern California Car Accident Case
When you experience serious injuries in a Southern California car crash, your life may change forever. Mounting bills may have you wondering who pays for the ambulance in a car accident and what options you have if the at-fault driver or their insurance company denies your claim. Our attorneys at the JLF Firm stand ready to fight for your rights, so speak to one of our Pomona lawyers in a free initial consultation today.
