Harlene Labrum | December 6, 2024 | Personal Injury
How Much Does An Ambulance Ride Cost In Tennessee?
When you’re seriously injured in a car accident, your first thoughts should be about receiving medical care, not about whether you can afford it. Unfortunately, medical expenses, including an ambulance ride, can be a major stressor as you recover from an accident.
Nationwide, the average cost of an ambulance ride is just shy of $1,000 for a transport that includes basic services. That price tag rises to $1,300 if advanced life support is required. How does Tennessee measure up? Prices vary from county to county.
There aren’t any recent statistics for the cost of ambulance services in Davidson County, but in Hamilton County, for example, a ride with basic services costs $1,188, while one with advanced life support costs $1,477. The cost jumps to $1,632 for life-saving procedures or additional care. Some rides may be billed on a per-mile basis, which is set at $25 per mile. What factors affect the cost of ambulance services in Tennessee, and how do you know when an ambulance ride is necessary?
Factors Affecting The Cost Of An Ambulance
The cost you pay for ambulance service following an accident depends on several factors, including the type of ride and the treatment required. You could even be charged if you don’t receive a ride to the hospital.
Emergency Vs. Scheduled Transport
Whether ambulance services are offered by an organization like a hospital or affiliated with a private company, there could be options for both scheduled and emergency services. The latter will cost more because it requires 24/7 employees who are trained to deliver emergency care.
Services Provided
EMTs are trained to provide emergency life-saving care until patients reach a hospital. This could include many services, such as the following:
- Simply transporting patients
- Providing oxygen or IVs
- Performing CPR
- Administering medication
The services provided will naturally impact costs.
Riding Vs. Declining
Some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents, such as cuts and bruises, may not require emergency medical transport. You may also have the option to call a nearby family member or friend to take you to the hospital.
When an ambulance is called to the scene of an accident, and you decline a ride, it could mean you don’t have to pay. However, you may still be charged in certain situations, such as receiving evaluation and medical care from EMTs on the scene.
Insurance Coverage
Tennessee law requires drivers to exhibit financial responsibility in case of a car accident. The easiest way to do this is by carrying insurance. Minimum requirements include a liability policy that covers the following per accident:
- $25,000 per injury/death
- $50,000 for total injuries/deaths
- $25,000 for property damage
If you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the at-fault party’s insurance should typically cover your medically necessary ambulance ride. However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to pursue other avenues for coverage.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy, it should cover this cost, although you may be responsible for paying a deductible. Your health insurance policy could also provide ambulance rides and EMT care coverage.
When Is An Ambulance Necessary?
Even if you want to spare expenses, you might need an ambulance ride to the nearest hospital following an accident. You could be unresponsive or unconscious, suffer a catastrophic injury like a severe burn, or experience a life-threatening medical condition like a heart attack. An ambulance is the fastest way to reach needed medical care in emergencies.
When you’re in an accident that’s not your fault and you’re fighting the at-fault party’s insurance for coverage, an experienced attorney can help. They’ll be able to negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Nashville If You Are Considering Filing a Claim for a Torn Labrum
You’ll definitely need a lawyer to maximize your chances of victory in a mass tort lawsuit or a class action lawsuit in Tennessee. Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers is a personal injury law firm local to Nashville that will fight hard to get you 100% of the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your situation.
For more information, please contact the Nashville personal injury law firm of Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee.
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Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Nashville
315 Deaderick St, Suite 1525
Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 685-8546
