One of the most expensive items after a car accident is the cost of medical care. Medical expenses can quickly add to the tens of thousands of dollars to an injury. For severe injuries, medical costs could go well over a hundred thousand dollars. Paying medical costs after a car accident can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. To make matters worse, many people are out of work and losing income while they are recovering from a car accident.
Doesn’t the Insurance Company for the Other Driver Pay My Medical Bills?
Unfortunately, you won’t receive any compensation from the insurance company for the other driver until you settle your claim. You shouldn’t settle your claim until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point when you won’t see improvement with more time or additional medical treatment. Settling before you reach MMI could mean that you receive much less than your claim is actually worth. Once you settle your claim, you can’t go back to the insurance company for more money, even if you discover you need additional treatments or surgeries.
What Options Do I Have for Paying Medical Bills?
If you have health insurance, that is your first option for paying medical bills from a car accident. Some people carry medical payment insurance with their car insurance. Medical payment insurance pays your medical costs from a car accident, regardless of fault, up to the policy limits. Because you never know if you may find yourself struggling to recover from injuries sustained in a car accident, it is a good idea to check into the cost of purchasing some type of insurance to help pay medical bills.
Sadly, everyone can’t afford to purchase additional insurance to cover medical bills in case of a car accident. However, if you don’t have insurance, you are forced to dip into savings to pay for medical bills. Before you begin whittling away at your savings to pay the bills, you need to consult with a car accident lawyer.
How Can a Car Accident Help?
If the other driver is at fault for the car accident, his or her insurance should pay your medical bills. However, you won’t receive that money until the case is settled. Many medical providers accept a “letter of protection” from a car accident lawyer. The letter of protection explains that you are in the process of filing an accident claim against the other driver’s insurance company. It also promises the medical provider that all medical bills will be paid from any proceeds received from the settlement.
While some medical providers may not accept a letter of protection, most providers are willing to work with you after an accident because they understand the process of filing and settling an accident claim. You should note that if you don’t receive a settlement, you are still responsible for paying any medical bills you owe.
For other providers, you may be able to work out another agreement to continue receiving medical care after a car accident.
Call an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer for Help
If you are struggling to cope with the consequences of a car accident, you need help. You don’t have to face these issues alone.
Call The Ken Nunn Law Office at 1-800-CALL-KEN or 1-800-225-5536 or use the Live Chat feature on our website to schedule a free consultation with an Indiana car accident lawyer.
