Car accidents are terrifying, life-changing experiences. It’s even scarier to face huge medical bills incurred for an accident that wasn’t your fault in the wake of a car wreck, and you’ll need all the help you can get.
If you find yourself asking, “can an attorney assist with my medical bills from a car wreck?” the answer is often yes. So let’s explore how an auto accident attorney in Texas can help get your medical expenses taken care of.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Insurance may not fully cover your medical bills, as insurance companies often dispute high-value claims and offer settlements that don’t cover the long-term medical costs of an accident. An experienced attorney can help ensure you receive full compensation.
- An attorney can help you build a case for medical expenses, as a skilled auto accident lawyer can take the case to court if the insurance company refuses to pay, ensuring both your current and future medical expenses are covered.
- Attorneys reduce the stress of dealing with insurance companies, as insurance companies have their own lawyers using legal tactics to minimize payouts. An attorney will fight for your rights, manage the legal process, and ease the burden of dealing with these issues while you focus on recovering.
Different Ways to Pay Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident
After a car accident, medical bills can start piling up quickly. The good news is that there are several ways injured Texans can pay for treatment while their injury claim is pending. The right option depends on your insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, and who was at fault. Likewise, a qualified auto accident attorney can take your case to court if the insurance companies don’t want to pay.
The following section highlights the options available to you for paying your medical bills after a car wreck.
Using Your Private or Employer-Provided Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, it is often the most efficient way to cover emergency care and surgeries. However, be aware of subrogation. This means that if you win a settlement later, your health insurance company may have a legal right to be reimbursed for the money they spent on your accident-related care. A skilled attorney can often negotiate these “liens” down to put more money in your pocket.
Accessing Care via a Letter of Protection (LOP)
A Letter of Protection is a legal contract between you, your attorney, and a medical provider. It allows you to receive treatment, including specialized care like MRIs or physical therapy, without paying anything upfront. The doctor agrees to wait for payment until your case is resolved. This is a vital tool for victims who lack health insurance or cannot afford high deductibles.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and MedPay
In Texas, all auto insurance policies are required to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) unless you reject it in writing.
- PIP: Covers medical bills and 80% of lost wages, regardless of fault.
- MedPay: Covers medical bills only. Both are “no-fault” coverages, meaning you can use them immediately to bridge the financial gap while waiting for a settlement.
Third-Party Medical Funding Companies
For complex surgeries or long-term care, some victims utilize medical funding companies. These companies pay the doctor directly and wait to be reimbursed from the settlement. While this provides immediate access to high-cost care, these companies often charge higher rates, so it is important to review these agreements with your lawyer first.
Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
Ultimately, the negligent driver’s liability insurance should cover your bills. However, they only pay in one lump sum at the very end of your case. We use the documentation from your doctors and hospital visits to prove the “reasonable and necessary” cost of your care to ensure the insurance company doesn’t lowball your medical recovery.
If you’ve been injured by the negligence of another, you could hire any car wreck attorney, or you can hire the best car collision attorneys in West Houston. Joe Stephens has been defending injury victims in Texas for over 3 decades from negligent individuals, companies, and greedy insurance companies. As a small accident law firm, Joe handles all cases personally, and his staff is always available to answer questions.
How Can an Auto Accident Attorney Help With Medical Bills After a Car Crash?
A skilled auto accident attorney can assess your current and ongoing medical expenses and take the case to court if the insurance company refuses to pay. However, taking on an insurance company by yourself is a daunting task, as they will have lawyers who know every procedure and trick to persuade the judge that a lower sum is due.
A good attorney will understand the importance of medical coverage after a car wreck and provide a thorough and compassionate service to help you get the amount you’re owed. This can also significantly reduce the stress of dealing with court cases when you’re trying to recover from an accident.
If You Were Injured in a Car Wreck Call West Houston Injury Attorney Joe Stephens
So can an attorney help with my medical bills from a car wreck? The short answer is yes. If you’ve incurred medical expenses in an accident and the at-fault party’s insurer is refusing to pay, get in touch with the Joe Stephens law firm today to book a consultation and obtain expert legal help.
