What is a fair amount for insurance to pay medical expenses? I was hit by a car as a pedestrian in front of a store in July. My injuries were relatively minor (shaken up, scrapes and bruises from hitting the ground, pain, missed work ($460 lost wages). Medical expenses were $662 (urgent care, 2 RX copays, one visit to an orthopedic doctor, xrays). My car insurance company has finally paid me back part of my out of pocket expenses ($22.34). I have also paid $100 to the orthopedic office and the balance there is not yet paid ($379) but I have been told they will pay that bill and repay me. They told me they would get any expenses they paid from the other insurance company. However, the driver's insurance company told me today what they will pay me and it is up to me to pay my insurance company back or not. They said they do not have to pay them, as that is not the law in Arizona, and that I do not have to pay them back either, since I have $5000 in medical payments as part of my policy. And they said my rates will not go up if I do not pay my insurance company back. I cannot call and ask my company and see if this is true, as they have not yet reimbursed me the $100 or finished paying the medical expenses (the orthopedic office). I do not want to have to pay the medical expenses from my modest settlement. They offered me $2122.00, I told them I had a bit larger number in mind, she asked me how much (I had been looking at $2500-$3000) and told her $3000, she told me she could not do that, but offered me $2622. Is that a fair amount? And what are my legal obligations as far as my medical expenses?

You’re not being clear about where the accident occurred. Was it in Iowa or Arizona? I’m not sure why if you were injured in Arizona that you’re asking an Iowa lawyer for advice about Arizona law. Sorry, but as described I am unable to answer your question.

For good advice see a lawyer and if you have questions about this blog, the law or your case write or call me directly. Steve Lombardi, sdlombardi@aol.com and 515-222-1110. I handle all types of personal injury cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers' compensation cases. We help truckers all across the country who come through Iowa and end up in an accident. If we need other lawyers from other states we hire them and it costs you no more than what you would pay us; in other words, we split the fee between us. So call 515-222-1110 or email us at sdlombardi@aol.com.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney