If you’re a driver in Alabama, you may have heard of Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage and wondered if it is right for you.
In this article, the legal team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., explains how MedPay insurance works and how it can benefit Alabama motorists.
What Is MedPay Coverage in Alabama?
Medical Payments or MedPay coverage is a type of no-fault auto insurance, which means a driver involved in a crash is entitled to benefits from their MedPay policy no matter who caused the accident.
The no-fault coverage provided by MedPay insurance can be beneficial in Alabama because the state follows a pure contributory negligence rule when determining liability for car accidents. Under this rule, a motorist is completely barred from seeking compensation for their injuries if they are as much as 1 percent at fault for the accident. Because drivers in Alabama can so easily lose their rights to demand fair compensation, it pays to have a backup plan like MedPay.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Payment Coverage?
Let’s explore some of the key benefits of MedPay coverage in Alabama:
- It pays when your health insurance will not. Usually, specific criteria must be met before an injured motorist is entitled to coverage from their health insurance policy after a car accident. For instance, you may need to exhaust other sources of coverage or meet a deductible. MedPay coverage can fill in the gaps when health insurance doesn’t pay, make up the difference if you exceed coverage limits, and even cover the deductible cost.
- It protects you if the other driver is uninsured. If you get hit by an uninsured driver in Alabama, you can always try to sue for compensation, but you may be out of luck if the other driver lacks insurance and cannot pay. With MedPay coverage, you can get the money you need for medical expenses, regardless of whether other sources of coverage are available. This also applies to hit-and-run drivers, who are usually considered uninsured in the context of auto insurance.
- It covers passengers and named drivers. MedPay coverage isn’t just for you. When you purchase MedPay insurance, it also covers other named drivers on your policy. So, if your partner, child, or another household member is on your MedPay policy, they’re covered in a crash involving your vehicle. Similarly, if one or more passengers in your car suffer injuries in a collision, your MedPay insurance will also cover their medical expenses.
- It provides what you need before the settlement. Even if you are confident you will receive a settlement check, it could take weeks or even months. In the meantime, no-fault MedPay coverage can pay for necessary medical expenses. This guaranteed source of compensation can make it much easier to wait for the settlement you deserve, especially if you are involved in negotiations with the insurance company.
- It is affordable for people on almost any budget. MedPay insurance is an optional add-on coverage that is usually less than $10 per month on top of your existing premium.
Contact Our Proven Alabama Car Accident Lawyers Today
The team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., is here to help if you were injured in an Alabama car wreck someone else caused. Contact our firm today to discuss the details of your case in a free consultation session.
