Air Transport Compensation After a Baltimore County, MD Auto Accident

A serious car accident an hour south of Baltimore, MD required emergency crews to transport several victims to area trauma centers, one of whom was airlifted by helicopter with life-threatening injuries. According to Southern Maryland Newsnet, the incident involved three different vehicles and led to one victim being trapped in a car for more than 10 minutes.

Though law enforcement officials continue to investigate the causes of the accident, there will be questions about who will pay for the expensive air transportation. A knowledgeable Baltimore County, MD auto accident attorney can provide information and answers.

Why You May be Transported Via Air

When you are involved in an accident and suffer severe, life-threatening injuries, first responders may opt to transport you via airlift to the closest emergency room. The most common form of airlift is a helicopter, which can maneuver into remote areas and take you to the closest trauma center quickly. Plus, a helicopter can travel over densely populated locations where traffic may prevent swift transport.

Air Transport Compensation

Air transport to a hospital or trauma center is extremely expensive, running up to $20,000 or more in some cases. Because it is a medical-related cost, you might assume that the expense is covered by your health insurance. You could be in for a shock to find that most policies do not cover air transportation.

However, there are other options to seek compensation for an airlift and other losses you sustain after a car accident. You can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company if he or she was clearly at fault in the collision. In addition to reimbursement for the airlift, you can also recover for such losses as:

• Expenses for medical care, surgery, and other treatment;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Losses based upon how your injuries adversely affect your relationships with your spouse, children, and other loved ones;
• Diminished quality of life; and,
• Many others

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Company

If you were at fault in the auto collision, even just partly, you may be able to seek reimbursement for airlift costs from your own insurance company. This cost may be available if you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) motorist coverage, which is optional in Maryland. You can file a first-party PIP claim with your insurer if you carry this option, and you do not have to prove that the other motorist was at fault. The downside is that your PIP policy may not cover the entire amount charged for the airlift.

Get Legal Help from an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in Baltimore County, MD

Considering the high cost of an airlift, you are likely to run into serious opposition when trying to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or your own if you file a first-party PIP claim. An attorney can help overcome these challenges and get the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one was airlifted after a car crash and you need answers on your rights, please contact attorney William Mulroney. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.