When people are hurt in accidents and seek compensation for their injuries, it is critical to account for every cost incurred. The most common costs associated with being in an accident and suffering a severe injury are medical costs. These costs extend beyond emergency room or rehabilitative facility fees.
Some victims may overlook certain medical expenses after a traumatic injury. One of the first costs incurred is the cost of immediate medical attention, often provided by an ambulance service. These costs can be quite high, and should never be left out of any claim for reimbursement.
Ambulance fees vary depending on the severity of the accident and the type of injuries suffered, but nearly every catastrophic injury requires immediate medical attention. Let the attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP, serving Oakland, CA and the Bay Area, help you get the compensation you deserve when you are hurt by the negligent actions of another.
Different Components of an Ambulance Fee
Until you are transported by ambulance, you may not be aware how high the fees are or what makes up the entire bill. The total expense of an ambulance ride depends on what exactly is needed to provide for the patient, but can be made of up these components:
- Distance travelled.
- The type of medical equipment the paramedics used to provide treatment.
- The type of ambulance used for transport; some ambulances offer basic life support services while others are outfitted to provide advanced care. The more catastrophic your injuries, the more likely you will need to be transported in an advanced care ambulance. Use of an advanced care ambulance costs more than use of an ambulance that is only equipped with basic medical equipment.
It is not uncommon for a single ambulance trip to run into the thousands of dollars and this is money that the victim should not have to pay out of pocket.
How to Determine if Ambulance Fees Are Recoverable
The general rule in an auto accident or other personal injury case where medical care is provided is that the expenses of the medical care are recoverable by the victim. But with ambulance costs, the injured person must show that the need to be transported by ambulance was medically necessary.
How is this done? Most typically through testimony of expert physicians and healthcare providers.
With the most severe of injuries, such as head trauma and broken bones, proving medical necessity is not usually problematic. But because each case is different, and it is crucial to allow an experienced personal injury attorney lay the legal framework for recovery, and argue for full compensation on your behalf.
Where to Find Assistance for Personal Injury Cases Involving Ambulance Fees
The attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP have experience representing people hurt in all types of accidents. We are skilled at identifying every aspect of your claim for damages, and have a proven track record for obtaining maximum compensation. Contact us online or call our office at (925) 935-3300.