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Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After an Accident?

James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • April 10, 2023
A stethoscope is sitting on top of a medical billing statement.

An accident can result in minor or severe injuries, hospitalization, or temporary or permanent incapacitation. Depending on the severity of your injuries, getting proper medical treatments can be quite costly. If you or someone close to you were injured in a negligent accident, you are entitled to seek fair financial compensation to cover medical bills and other damages. 


At James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I give comprehensive legal advice and skilled representation to clients in their accident claims. As an Illinois personal injury attorney, I can analyze the facts of your situation and determine options to recover damages for your medical expenses. My firm proudly serves clients across Elgin, Illinois, and throughout the surrounding areas, including Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane County. 

Understanding Liability for Auto Accidents in Illinois 

Illinois is an at-fault or tort state for auto accidents. According to the state's at-fault laws, the driver who caused the traffic crash (the at-fault party) will hold financial liability for your medical bills, property damages, and other accident-related losses. In order to pursue damages, you can proceed by: 


  • Filing a first-party claim with your own insurance carrier. 
  • Filing a third-party claim against the insurance provider of the at-fault party. 
  • Filing a personal injury lawsuit party the at-fault driver in civil court. 


In order to protect individuals involved in the auto crash, Illinois law mandates every driver to have an insurance policy to help cover the costs incurred as a result of injuries and damages in a traffic crash. 

Illinois Insurance Requirements 

Additionally, motorists in Illinois are required under the law to have liability insurance with the following coverage limits: 


  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in a single accident 
  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in a single accident 
  • $20,000 for property damage in a single accident. 
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident. 


If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident, you should get in touch with a highly-skilled car accident attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can review every detail of your case and help pursue your rightful financial compensation.

Will My Car Insurance Cover My Medical Bills?

Yes, when involved in an accident, your car insurance policy will cover your medical expenses up to the policy’s coverage limits. However, if you’re able to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a third-party claim against their insurance coverage. This way, you can recover compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, attorney fees, future medical treatments, and other available damages. 

Do I Have to Use My Own Health Insurance? 

Essentially, your own health insurance coverage remains the first and best option for you to settle your medical costs as soon as possible. However, the health insurance may not be enough to cover all of your medical treatments, including emergency room visits and follow-up treatments. Once you receive the initial treatments, you can file a personal injury claim against that at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage. 

What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance? 

After an accident, you will be the one responsible for your medical bills initially. However, various issues often arise if the injuries are serious and the victim doesn’t have enough money to cover the hospital bills. Unfortunately, you may be unable to purchase health insurance coverage after the accident. 


Rather, you can visit your state's Medicaid office to know about your eligibility for Medicaid. If you’re eligible, Medicaid will cover your medical expenses. Additionally, you can recover financial compensation for your medical bills, ongoing treatments, and other damages if you’re successful with your injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party. 

Fight for the Compensation You Deserve 

Getting hurt in an accident is an unsettling experience and will affect your physical, financial, and emotional health. However, you don’t have to face the challenges and financial liability alone. If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent party and are concerned about who will pay your medical bills, talking with a trusted personal injury attorney is vital for clear direction. 


At James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I have all the resources to provide for the best interests of accident victims and their families. As your lawyer, I can assess every detail of your accident case and determine the best way to proceed with your claims. In addition, I will continue fighting for your legal rights and help you seek fair financial compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost income, future medical treatments, pain and suffering, and other possible damages. 


Contact me at James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, today to speak with a reliable car accident lawyer. I have the compassionate representation you need in your accident claims. My firm proudly serves clients across Elgin, Illinois, and throughout the surrounding areas, including Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane County. 

When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 20 Sep, 2023
When you get injured at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation under the law. Unfortunately, navigating the legal landscape of workers’ compensation in Illinois can be too overwhelming and complicated, especially when done without legal help. If that sounds like your situation, you might want to work with an experienced attorney who is familiar with workers’ compensation laws in Illinois. The attorney you hire will be your ally throughout your case and will help you fight for your rights to secure the compensation to which you are entitled. At James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I understand the challenges injured workers face when trying to navigate the complexities of the workers’ comp system. I am dedicated to ensuring the best outcome possible for those injured on the job in Elgin, Illinois, and throughout the surrounding areas, including Kane County, St. Charles, and Aurora.

What Benefits Are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 29 Aug, 2023
Workers’ compensation insurance is one of the most significant benefits that employees have in the modern workplace. However, even though they may know they’re covered by a policy, many people don’t know how to file a claim or don’t know what benefits are available to them if they do become injured. If you or a loved one has been hurt, it is essential to understand your rights, so you can take your next steps toward healing. One of the best places to start is by calling a workers' compensation attorney in your area. If you’re in Elgin, Illinois, or the surrounding areas—including Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane County— contact me, James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, to get started .

Third-Party Worksite Accident Claims

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 13 Jul, 2023
Being involved in a worksite accident can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, as many workers know, employees who suffer a construction site injury or occupational disease may be entitled to pursue workers' compensation benefits, including compensation for medical bills and lost income. What many employees do not know is that they may also be able to file something called a ‘third-party claim.’ At James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I have spent my career supporting and representing injured workers throughout Illinois. As an experienced personal injury attorney , I can investigate all of the facts of your case, identify the liable party, and seek to prove negligence. Additionally, I can help file a third-party claim, fight diligently for your rights, and guide you forward. My firm proudly serves clients across Elgin and throughout surrounding areas in Illinois, including St. Charles, Aurora, and Kane County. Set up a one-on-one consultation today.

What if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 01 Jun, 2023
In Illinois, employees who suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases may be entitled to pursue workers' compensation benefits through a claim. However, the insurance provider may deny your claims due to a different number of reasons, including late reporting, delayed filing, or inadequate evidence. Thankfully, you may be able to appeal your denied workers' compensation claim and recover your deserved benefits. At James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I have the diligence and skill to advise and guide employees in their workers' compensation appeals. As an experienced Illinois workers' compensation attorney, I can investigate the reason for the denial and enlighten you about the next steps to take. In addition, I will advocate for your best interests and help you negotiate the maximum available benefits. My firm proudly serves clients across Elgin, Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane County, Illinois.

What to Do as an Injured Passenger

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 08 May, 2023
When most people think about car accidents, their first reaction is to think about drivers. However, we generally overlook the injuries and deaths that occur among passengers. According to data from Forbes, 5,966 passengers lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2020. This figure underscores just how often passengers are also unfortunate victims of accidents. At my firm, James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, my mission is to help car accident victims in Elgin, Illinois, get the legal representation they deserve. I strive to put my years of legal experience at the service of communities throughout Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane County, as victims seek fair compensation to recover their health and well-being. You can count on my personal attention as we fight for your rights.

Who Will Pay My Medical Bills After an Accident?

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 10 Apr, 2023
An accident can result in minor or severe injuries, hospitalization, or temporary or permanent incapacitation. Depending on the severity of your injuries, getting proper medical treatments can be quite costly. If you or someone close to you were injured in a negligent accident, you are entitled to seek fair financial compensation to cover medical bills and other damages. At James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I give comprehensive legal advice and skilled representation to clients in their accident claims. As an Illinois personal injury attorney, I can analyze the facts of your situation and determine options to recover damages for your medical expenses. My firm proudly serves clients across Elgin, Illinois, and throughout the surrounding areas, including Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane County.

Suing for Damages in a Construction Site Accident

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 17 Mar, 2023
Every day, lots of construction projects are being executed in Illinois and across the United States. However, where there is construction, workers and other individuals on the worksite may be exposed to site accidents and other hazards. Under Illinois laws, a person injured in a construction site accident may be eligible to seek damages through a claim or lawsuit. For more than 45 years, I have devoted my career to handling personal injury cases and representing clients in their construction site accident claims. As an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney , I can review every aspect of your personal situation, explore your options to recover damages, and help you seek the financial justice you deserve. My firm proudly serves clients across Elgin, Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane County, Illinois.

I Was Bit by a Neighbor’s Dog. What Should I Do?

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 08 Feb, 2023
Dog bites and dog attacks are quite prevalent in Illinois and across the United States. Unfortunately, victims of dog bite incidents can suffer minor or severe injuries, including punctured skin, fractures, lacerations, scarring, and infections. Thankfully, Illinois dog bite laws permit victims to hold the dog owner liable for their injuries and damages. However, seeking compensation for your dog bite injuries can become complex if you were bitten by your neighbor's dog. At James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I have the resources and diligence to support and represent clients in their dog bite claims. As a trusted Illinois personal injury attorney, I can evaluate every detail of your unique situation and help you understand your options for pursuing damages. In addition, I will fight zealously for your rights and help you seek your rightful financial compensation. Reach out to my firm in Elgin, Illinois, to learn more.

Can I Sue a Business If I Was Hurt on Their Property?

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 18 Jan, 2023
Every day, people leave their homes to run errands. To do this, they need to move in and out of public spaces as well as private businesses. Most of the time, we don’t think twice about these tasks—but what happens if you become injured on a business’s property or public space? And who pays for injuries sustained on public property? Unsafe conditions are all around us and accidents that occur in public spaces or at a business are handled differently than those that occur at a private residence. For help filing a claim for an injury on public property or learning more about premises liability, call James P. Leahy Attorney At Law. As a premises liability attorney, I’m proud to serve Elgin, Illinois and the surrounding area, including Aurora, St. Charles, and Kane Count.

Hurt on a Friend or Neighbor’s Property: Should I Sue?

By James P. Leahy Attorney At Law • 20 Dec, 2022
Whenever you are invited to a friend’s or neighbor’s property for a visit, you probably don’t expect anything bad to happen. You expect the friend or neighbor to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition and warn you of any unsafe conditions or hazards on the property. Unfortunately, property owners do not always fulfill these expectations, which is why accidents on someone else’s property happen more often than you might think. If you have been hurt on a friend’s or neighbor’s property, you may wonder about your legal options for recovering damages. Should you sue your friend or neighbor? Is there any other (less uncomfortable) option? If you sustained injuries while visiting someone else’s property (be it a friend or a neighbor), I can help. As a premises liability attorney at James P. Leahy Attorney At Law, I help clients understand their rights and navigate the legal process when seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. With an office in Elgin, Illinois, I also serve the surrounding areas, including St. Charles, Aurora, and Kane County.
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