02/20/2021
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. Many medical providers do not want to wait to be paid for their treatment though. That is why it is important to understand your options to help manage your medical bills while your claim is still pending.
1. PIP Insurance - The first option you have, and the first you must use, is your Personal Injury Protection insurance (PIP). PIP is an optional lawyer of coverage on your own auto insurance policy. PIP will pay your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident without copays or deductibles up to your coverage limit.
2. Medical Insurance - If you have health insurance, you can use that insurance coverage to pay for medical costs while you wait for an official settlement in your case. Your health insurance provider will pay up to your policy limits, but you will still be responsible for any deductibles or copays as part of your policy.
3. Letter of Promise/Lien - Some healthcare providers will allow you to defer payments, but it will not be an oral agreement. Instead, you will need a formal agreement that involves signing paperwork. These letters of promise are between you and the healthcare provider – whether it is a hospital, clinic, specialist, or your family care provider. The agreement states that the provider is offering care upfront, and without payment, in return for receiving payment after your case settles in court (or during private negotiations). You agree to pay the provider in full for any outstanding medical balances once you receive your settlement when you sign this form.
If you have been hurt in an accident and are worried about how to pay your medical bills, we are here and 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. And remember: there are no fees charged up front if you hire us. You only pay our firm if we recover compensation for you.