Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 5/9/2009

Question
In auto accident and other driver responsible and has liab. insurance. My hospital e.r. bill will be paid by my carrier (med pay coverage under my policy).  Can my carrier subrogate for reimbursement directly against (other) responsible carier? Or must I do it at time I settle my injury claim and then forward payment of hospital bill to my carrier? And if after settlement, a late medical bill comes in.  I know other carrier will not pay it. What will my carrier do about late bill?  Pay it or decline payment?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Steve,

If a late bill comes in your carrier will still have to pay it. As far as subrogation goes, generally, your insurance company willbe entitled to reimbursement. In some cases they will get it directly from the at-fault carrier and in others you will have to reimburse them from your settlement. You should contact your insurance company to see how they ish to handle it. There is no automatic method.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh