How do I pay for medical treatment after a car accident if I don’t have health insurance?

Riding a motorcycle is fun, but it can also be risky because of the actions of others on the road. Unlike other vehicles, you don't have much protection if you crash. Additionally, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous on roads with a lot of potholes or if you're riding in unsafe weather conditions. Below are some tips for staying safe while riding.

Staying Safe on a Motorcycle in Wisconsin

Take a Safety Course: Riding a motorcycle requires good judgment and skill, and a safety course will help you achieve that. A motorcycle safety course will teach you the rules of the road and what to do in unpredictable riding situations.

Wear Appropriate Gear: The right gear will protect you from debris, road rash, and the elements. Your gear should feature a helmet, leather jacket, eye protection, leather pants, over the ankle boots, and non-slip gloves. Appropriate protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities.

Keep Your Bike Maintained: Replace the air filter, change the oil regularly, and maintain your bike's tire pressure. Inspecting your motorcycle before you hit the road is also a good idea. Check your turn signals, headlights, taillights, fuel, brakes, handlebars, and mirrors.

Stay Alert: Being aware of your surroundings and riding defensively can prevent motorcycle accidents that could be caused by dangerous driving.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Riding too closely behind another vehicle is unsafe. It is advisable to stay a few seconds away from the car or motorcycle in front of you. This allows you enough space to stop during an emergency. Additionally, you should always have an escape route in mind if you cannot stop in time.

Be Visible: One of the most significant mistakes riders make is assuming they are visible to other motorists. Most motorcycle accidents are a result of drivers not seeing the motorcycle. You can stay visible by avoiding other motorists' blind spots, driving with a headlight, and wearing reflective clothing. Using your hand and turn signals can also help ensure you are visible.

Common Motorcycle Road Hazards

Distracted or Drunk Drivers: Although it may not be easy to identify if someone is drunk driving, it is wise to be attentive to your surroundings and take appropriate measures.

Rain or Snow: The hazardous weather can create slippery and unsafe road conditions. Avoid riding while it is raining or snowing.

Tar or Debris: Since tar has a different texture from asphalt, it can compromise traction. Additionally, parts of tire treads and other debris on the road can be hazardous to motorcycles.

Contact a Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin, working with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney is in your best interest.

At Natasha Misra Law, we are equipped to offer the guidance you need to know whether you are entitled to compensation. We will provide the representation you need to pursue compensation if you qualify. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may wonder how to manage the resulting medical bills. Because Wisconsin is an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident is responsible for your related expenses including medical bills. However, this usually requires filing a personal injury claim which means payment for your medical bills will typically not occur until the lump-sum settlement or resolution of your case.

To ensure you get the treatment you need without delay, medical payments coverage under your own auto insurance policy may be sufficient to cover your initial medical bills. You can also have medical providers bill your health insurance to cover you now and your health insurance can recover costs from the settlement award later.

But, what if you are not covered by health insurance at the time of the accident? Do you have to pay for accident-related medical expenses out of pocket if you don’t have insurance?

Between letters of protection, liens, Medicaid, and payment plans with the hospital, you have options to make sure you receive the treatment you need while your case is ongoing, despite not having insurance to cover the expenses in the interim.

What Are Letters of Protection?

If you do not have insurance or sufficient funds to pay for medical treatment after an accident, a letter of protection can help stop collections efforts until your case is resolved.

A letter of protection is a guarantee from your lawyer to a doctor or medical provider whereby your lawyer agrees to ensure that the doctor will be paid for medical treatment provided to you from money recovered from the at fault party as the result of a personal injury claim.

Will Medicaid Help Cover Medical Expenses?

Yes. If you are injured, Medicaid will cover any medically necessary treatment per your policy. Just like private health insurance, Medicaid will then recover any payments made for accident-related treatment from any settlement proceeds with the auto insurance for the at-fault party. For more information about what expenses are covered under Medicaid, visit forwardhealth.gov.

What is A Hospital Lien?

Used less frequently, hospital liens allow the hospital where you were treated for accident-related injuries to have priority in recovering payment from the settlement of your related personal injury case.

State law allows hospitals to file a lien when treating patients whose injuries may be the subject of a personal injury lawsuit. Wisconsin Statute §779.80(1) states that hospitals shall have a lien for services provided to a person with injuries caused by the negligence, wrongful act, or tort of any other person.

How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help Me Pay My Medical Bills?

A personal injury attorney can communicate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, healthcare providers, and other interested parties to obtain evidence and negotiate the best possible settlement. Moreover, a personal injury attorney provides peace of mind that your medical bills will not spiral out of control as you seek compensation for your injuries.

At Natasha Misra Law, we will look at your medical bills and assist you in managing your medical bills until the time that you receive compensation from the auto insurance company. We will work with your medical providers, and insurance carriers if applicable, and relieve you of any financial burden you may be experiencing as the result of an accident.

Our team will focus on your financial recovery and ensure that your medical providers are compensated, so you focus on your physical recovery.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.