If you have been harmed in a car accident, you may not know that you are expected to pay for your medical bills, even if your injuries were caused by another person’s negligence. If your claim is successful, you will not be paid until the legal process concludes. That is why it is important to understand your options to help manage your medical bills while your claim is still pending.
The Appleton car accident lawyers from our firm are here to help answer any questions you may have. Below, we discuss several options and are prepared to provide additional details in a free consultation.
Health Insurance Coverage
One option to help pay for medical bills could be your health insurance. You may be able to secure an agreement from your health insurance company to pay your medical bills up front and receive reimbursement from any settlement you receive at the end of the legal process.
Generally, accident victims must pay their health insurer first before they can receive compensation. In these situations, victims often draft a letter of promise to get this type of agreement in writing.
It may also be possible to reach an agreement with the hospital to hold off on collection efforts for any unpaid bills until your injury claim concludes. You can discuss with your attorney, as he or she may be able to hold off the hospital or debt collectors while your claim is being processed. This can help prevent your credit from being damaged during this difficult time.
Sometimes health insurance companies refuse to pay for bills caused by an auto accident. This often depends on the insurance company and the policy.
Medical Payments Coverage
You may have purchased medical payment coverage with your car insurance. This coverage pays for medical expenses if you are in an accident. However, MedPay coverage is usually modest. The minimum required by state law is $1,000. Your medical bills could quickly exceed that amount, particularly if you suffered a severe injury.
Medicare or Medicaid
If you are receiving Medicare or Medicaid, you may use this insurance to receive the medical care and treatment you need. Similar to private health insurance, you may be asked to repay the government for medical bills and other medical-related expenses it helped cover from any settlement amount received.
Advantages of Using Your Own Insurance
Going through your own insurance means medical bills will be paid. You will not have to worry about added penalties and credit damage due to unpaid bills as you go through the claims process. Insurance claims could take months or years to process before funds are issued in a settlement. Using your own insurance will help make sure that you obtain adequate medical care and treatment needed to recover.
Learn More About Your Options Today
If you have been hurt in an accident and are worried about how to pay your medical bills, our lawyers at Sigman Janssen are ready to discuss your options. Our consultations offer you the opportunity to discuss your situation and allow us to evaluate whether you have valid claim. There are no fees charged up front if you hire us. You only pay our firm if we help you recover compensation.
We are standing by to take your call. (877) 888-5201.