Tips to Paying Medical Bills After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it is not uncommon for a patient to have trouble paying his or her medical bills. Car accidents are unexpected and can result in serious injuries that require extensive treatment. When the cost of medical bills is too high, you may feel like you are drowning in debt. If the accident wasn’t your fault, then you can always file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries. This process doesn’t happen overnight, however. You can file a claim, but it takes time to negotiate a settlement. In some cases, you may even have to go to trial.

If you are struggling to pay your medical bills, here are a few tips that you can use to make sure that your medical bills are paid before you reach your settlement.

Health Insurance

First and foremost, you should rely on your health insurance. If you have health insurance, you need to speak to your insurer about your car accident so that the insurer knows that some of the bills arriving are from the accident. If you plan to file a claim against the other driver, then you need to inform your health insurance provider because the insurer will ask for compensation for the bills that it paid. The insurance pays the bills but will expect that when you reach your settlement, it will receive money for those payments.

Attorney Liens

If you are filing a claim, you may be able to receive an attorney’s lien. Attorney liens are often the last resort for patients who need to pay medical bills. Attorney liens occur when you have an attorney working on your car accident case but you cannot afford your medical bills. Hospitals may feel comfortable waiting for your settlement. Basically, your attorney would sign a document that grants the hospital access to the settlement when it resolves. While the bills are still your responsibility, you do not have to pay anything until you receive your settlement.

Medical Payments

Another way to pay is simply through payments. Many hospitals will accept payments for medical bills. This means that you have more time to pay off the bill, rather than offering one lump sum of money for treatment. Most can handle payments easier than upfront costs.

When it comes to your medical bills after an accident, you do need to make arrangements before you negotiate your settlement. If you are struggling with your accident claim, consult with an auto accident lawyer for more advice on the subject.