How can you pay for accident-related medical costs before you recover damages from a lawsuit? Here is what you need to know.
If you are involved in an automobile accident in Wisconsin, the at-fault or negligent driver is responsible for any damages or injuries. A personal injury claim will help you recover the related medical expenses, but these lawsuits can take time. Sometimes, accident victims will delay treatment for accident-related injuries until the case settles to avoid any out-of-pocket costs, but this can lead to aggravated injuries and unnecessary discomfort.
So, how can you pay for accident-related medical costs before you recover damages from a lawsuit? Here is what you need to know:
Your automobile insurance policy may come with medical payments coverage, also known as med pay. This insurance covers medical costs for you or a family member injured in an automobile accident or as a pedestrian injured by an automobile. Regardless of who is at fault, medical payments coverage pays for accident-related medical costs for any passengers in the policyholder’s vehicle, even if there is no familial relation.
Yes. In fact, submitting medical bills to your own health insurance company can save you from annoying bill collection calls, past due notices, and other headaches. Health insurance companies often pay medical providers at a discounted rate. This means your insurer will likely pay less than the amount you are billed. Ultimately, the at fault party will still be held accountable for your medical expenses, and your health insurance will be subrogated or paid back from the settlement with the at fault party.
A Letter of Protection notifies your medical provider that your medical bills are the subject of ongoing litigation and assures that upon resolution of the case, any outstanding medical debt will be satisfied. Typically, a Letter of Protection from your lawyer will result in an agreement from medical providers to cease collection efforts until the case is resolved.
If you have health insurance or auto insurance with medical payments coverage, an attorney can assist you in submitting your medical bills using your own insurance to manage your accident-related medical expenses. Once your accident case settles, both you and your insurance company will be repaid with settlement funds. However, if you do not have insurance, a Letter of Protection from your attorney may be enough to keep your provider from sending outstanding balances to collections until your case settles. Talk with your personal injury attorney to find out the best way to manage your accident-related medical expenses.
