If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you may have medical bills racking up. Which is adding stress to an already stressful situation when it comes to the personal injury claim process. Medical bills from a car accident can be quite high and commonly include an ambulance ride. Once you reach a hospital you are billed for Emergency Room care, surgery, medication, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, and other medical expenses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average cost of medical treatment for a car accident injury is around $15,000. However, serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or severe burns can require long-term medical treatment. And rehabilitation, which can quickly push the cost of medical care well over the average amount.
If you or a loved one is feeling unsure about how you will take care of your medical bills after a car accident, know that an experienced car accident lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders. They do so by helping to lower your medical bills, deferring your payments, and fighting for the maximum personal injury settlement.
Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Defer Medical Bills During a Personal Injury Claim Process?
Yes, a personal injury lawyer can often assist in deferring medical bills while a personal injury claim is in process. Personal injury lawyers have experience dealing with medical providers and insurance companies. They can use their knowledge and negotiation skills to help you navigate the situation.
There are three main ways that a personal injury lawyer will work to help reduce and defer medical bills:
- Communication with healthcare providers. A personal injury lawyer can communicate with your healthcare providers on your behalf. They can explain that you have a pending personal injury claim and request that the bills be deferred until the case is resolved. Lawyers are often familiar with the medical billing process and can effectively advocate for you.
- Negotiation and settlement. Personal injury lawyers work to maximize your compensation for medical expenses as part of your overall claim. They can negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This is to ensure that your medical bills are covered. If a settlement is reached, the funds can be used to pay off your outstanding medical bills.
- Medical liens or subrogation. In some cases, healthcare providers may place a medical lien on your personal injury settlement. This means that they have a right to be reimbursed from the settlement for the medical expenses they provided. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with healthcare providers to reduce the lien amount. This allows you to retain a larger portion of the settlement.
In addition to having adequate car and health insurance, it’s important to discuss your medical bills with your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process. Then evaluate your options, and take the necessary steps to help defer or manage your medical bills during the personal injury claim.
Seek the help of a personal injury lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
