Nobody wants to get involved in a road mishap — more so, to be a victim. But if you find yourself getting injured in a car accident, hiring an auto accident attorney can help you navigate through the complex claiming process. One of the compensations you can recover is your medical expenses. In this article, we’ll talk about how a lawyer can assist you on this matter.
The General Rule
Though the expenses you incurred for getting medical treatment after a road accident can be recovered, the general rule is this- you should pay for your medical bills.
If you’re in a no-fault state like Florida, your car insurance provider can cover a portion or your entire medical bills. Once you exceed the threshold, you can next rely on your private health insurance. Your other options include Medicaid and Medicare. In some other cases, you may need to include medical bills in your out-of-pocket expenditures.
If you want to settle with the at-fault party’s insurance provider, you need to get help from an auto accident lawyer. Once you recover your compensation, you can repay the other entity that first shouldered your medical bills.
On the other hand, if your road mishap is work-related, you can file the so-called workers’ compensation claim. Under this setup, your employer’s insurer will be the one to cover all of your medical expenses. These may include the costs you’ll incur traveling to and from the hospital or clinic.
Getting Help from an Auto Accident Lawyer
Whether you’re filing a personal injury or a worker’s compensation claim, hiring an auto accident attorney is advantageous. This professional will help you establish your case and ensure that you have evidence proving the other party’s negligent driving. A lawyer specializing in road mishaps is also trained to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.
If you want to consider other options, your lawyer can also give you insights and advice.
One of the options you can immediately avail of – especially if you’re in a tight financial position and you’re not covered by any other health insurance program- is to have your lawyer send a Letter of Protection to your healthcare provider. This will delay your deadline of payment until you settle your case and get your compensation.
You can also enter a hardship agreement if your lawyer can present that you’re financially incapacitated to pay your medical bills. Though it differs from hospital to hospital, the goal of this agreement is to lower your medical expenses.
If you want to opt for a personal payment agreement, your lawyer can also help you with that. This program can allow you to pay your health care provider initially through a medical credit card. Then you’ll settle with a debt repayment time frame that’s amenable for you and your hospital.
The key to helping you handle your medical fees more efficiently and appropriately is seeking help from a credible lawyer. Make sure to choose someone who has the experience, the negotiation skills, and the compassion to assist car accident victims like you.
