How Much Does an Air Ambulance Trip Cost After a Semi-Truck Crash in South Carolina?

Air ambulances are often necessary after semi-truck crashes in South Carolina. The Palmetto State is home to numerous rural areas, and it may take a traditional ambulance far too long to arrive at crashes in remote locations. Fortunately, helicopters can be mobilized within moments – and this is often enough to save patients’ lives. However, air ambulance trips are not free – and patients may be shocked to learn their price.

Firefighter Receives Air Transport to Hospital After Truck Accident

Air ambulances frequently respond to truck accidents in South Carolina. In May of 2024, a firefighter received air transport to a hospital after his fire truck crashed into a semi-truck near Enoree. The semi-truck was apparently in the middle of a left-hand turn at an intersection when the fire truck approached and smashed into the vehicle. The fire truck then careened off the road and went down an embankment.

 How Much Does an Air Ambulance Trip Cost? 

The cost of an air ambulance trip depends on various factors, including the distance between the hospital and the crash site. Helicopter fuel is very expensive, and even a few minutes of flight time can lead to serious costs. The National Institutes of Health states that the cost of an air ambulance trip is usually around $40,000. This is close to another estimate provided by the American Action Forum, which states a median price of $36,000.

Of course, there are notable outliers. On the low end, a helicopter trip could cost as “little” as $10,000. The outliers on the other end of the scale are almost unbelievable. According to KFF Health News, a North Carolina couple once received a $489,000 bill for a single air ambulance trip.

Will Health Insurance Cover My Air Ambulance Trip? 

The patient who received that $489,000 bill had purchased coverage through the Affordable Care Act with Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, the insurance company only agreed to cover $72,000 worth of the bill, claiming that the helicopter trip was mostly “not medically necessary.” Patients should know that generally speaking, an average insurance policy does not cover air ambulances. This is why filing a personal injury lawsuit with help from an attorney is so important after receiving this life-saving treatment.

Find an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in South Carolina 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced truck accident lawyer in Charleston, look no further than Mickelson Dalton, LLC. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue compensation for all their medical expenses – including transportation. If someone else caused your injury, they should foot the bill for your air ambulance – not you. A truck accident lawsuit can also provide you with compensation for missed wages, emotional distress, and many other damages. Reach out today to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources: 

foxcarolina.com/2024/05/16/first-alert-traffic-crash-blocking-roadway-spartanburg-county/

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7575426/

kffhealthnews.org/news/article/the-case-of-the-489000-air-ambulance-ride/