Who Pays for Medical Bills While My Car Accident Case is Pending?
In Americus, Georgia, you are responsible for paying for your medical bills from car accident-related injuries while your case is pending, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Although you are initially responsible for your medical costs after a car accident, you may get them covered by your health insurance, by your auto insurance, or you can ask the medical provider for financial assistance such as a payment plan or if they will work on a lien placed on your settlement or jury award.
If you were injured in a car accident and don’t know what to do or where to start with your lawsuit, contact an Americus car accident lawyer from The Shrable Law Firm, P.C., to see how we can help you. It’s important to call us right away because collecting and preserving crucial evidence and witness accounts can play a vital role in collecting your rightful compensation.
Keep reading to learn about the typical costs incurred after an accident and your options for paying those expenses while your case is ongoing.
Five Types of Costs After a Car Accident:
There are many costs and expenses that might arise after being involved in a car accident, however the most common can be broken down into the following five categories.
1. Injury-related healthcare costs
These are the first and most pressing expenses incurred after a car accident–despite the potential cost, you need to get proper medical care if you were injured in a car accident.
These costs can be expensive and may include emergency procedures, medical devices, tests, imaging and scans, surgeries, medication, and physical or occupational therapy. You might also need psychological counseling or therapy as a result of emotional trauma or distress following an accident.
2. Repair of personal property
This can include repairs to your car or others’ property if it was involved in the collision. You can even claim for smaller personal items such as a laptop if it was damaged in the crash.
3. Legal costs
Although filing a lawsuit might be necessary to receive the compensation you deserve after an accident, there are some up front costs associated with the lawsuit such as court filing fees or service fees, however you can discuss these legal costs with your attorney.
4. Lost wages
You might be unable to work following an accident due to your injuries or be unable to get to work if your car was damaged in an accident. If you are unable to work due to injuries caused by the accident, you may be able to recover damages for those lost wages.
5. Rising premiums
If you were at-fault in the accident, your auto insurance premium might rise as a result of the accident.
Most Car Accident Injuries Fall into Two Categories:
Although car accidents result in innumerable types of injuries, they generally fall into two main categories: impact injuries and penetrating injuries.
- Impact injuries are the most common injury sustained in a car accident. These occur when a person’s body hits part of the car’s interior such as the dashboard, headrest, or side windows. An impact injury is usually a soft tissue injury that affects the skin, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. The most common are whiplash or back injuries.
- Penetrating injuries are the second most common, usually caused by broken glass or loose objects flying inside the vehicle. Penetrating injuries are generally cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds either with or without an object still in contact with or embedded in the body.
A significant factor in determining typical car accident settlement amounts is the severity of injuries. Some injuries are more severe than others, and some may rise to the level of a “catastrophic injury” – e.g., one with life-altering and long-lasting effects.
Data on average car accident settlement amounts vary by source. The amount of your claim is dependent on your injuries and the unique facts of your case.
An experienced attorney can help you determine the appropriate amount of your claim and how to handle the ongoing medical expenses for your injuries while your case is pending.
Four Ways to Pay Medical Bills While Your Case is Pending
Although you’re responsible for paying your medical bills pending resolution of your case, you have options to reduce the financial impact of the out-of-pocket costs associated with your necessary medical care.
1. Health insurance
The coverage provided by your health insurance plan shouldn’t change simply because you were in an accident. Your health insurance provider should continue to cover your medical appointments to the extent that they were before the accident, and you will still be responsible for any copays or deductibles.
When your case has been resolved, your insurance plan may be reimbursed from your settlement or jury award for the costs they paid that were a result of the accident. If you have any questions about the coverage under your plan, call your health insurance provider.
2. Your Auto Insurance
Your auto insurance policy may include a medical payments coverage rider that will cover some of your medical costs in the event you were in an auto accident. If you opted to include this coverage in your policy, the limits on that coverage will be included in your policy documents. If you have questions regarding that coverage or aren’t sure if you have it, call your auto insurance company.
3. Settlement Lien
Some physicians and treatment providers will agree to provide services without receiving payment until your case is resolved. They will require that you sign a contract which states that you will pay them upon receipt of your settlement or jury award. Some physicians won’t agree to a settlement lien unless you have an attorney on your case.
The attorneys at The Shrable Law Firm, P.C., have built a network of reputable providers who will provide exemplary care on a settlement lien.
4. Payment Plans
If your physician or care provider won’t provide services on a settlement lien, you might be able to negotiate financial assistance in the form of a payment plan until you receive your settlement or jury award. Your attorney might also help negotiate this if a settlement lien isn’t an option.
Injured in a car accident and don’t know what to do about your growing medical bills? We can help you.
The experienced Americus car accident lawyers at The Shrable Law Firm, P.C., are ready to help you through the difficult time after an accident. We are a skilled and trustworthy advocate for auto accident victims and will support you throughout the legal process.
We help our clients by preparing strong claims and challenging insurers who attempt to deny them compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call (229) 349-6291 or contact us online today.
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