Who Pays for My Medical Bills After an Accident?
One of the largest expenses in most car accident cases is medical expenses. In cases of traumatic injuries, the medical expenses can quickly add into the tens of thousands of dollars. If you are also out of work because of your injuries, you are probably trying to make ends meet with a reduced household income. This makes paying medical bills nearly impossible, if not completely impossible. What can you do?
Medical Bills In An Accident Claim
Unfortunately, California is an “at-fault” state for accident claims. If you are injured in a slip and fall, motorcycle crash, car accident, bicycle accident, truck crash, or other personal injury accident, you must prove the other person was at fault for the accident before you can receive compensation for your injuries. The person who caused the accident is not required to pay your medical bills until the claim is settled, either by a negotiated settlement or a trial. If you cannot establish fault, you cannot hold that person liable for your damages, including medical bills.
Therefore, paying medical bills in an accident case can be difficult. If you have health insurance, you may be able to file your bills against your health insurance coverage. Likewise, if you have medical payment coverage under your automobile insurance policy, you can file your medical bills with your insurance provider. However, if you do receive compensation from the other party, you will need to pay your health insurance or automobile insurance provider back for any medical bills it paid related to the accident.
A Letter of Protection
In some cases, your Fresno personal injury attorney can write a letter to your medical provider explaining the nature of your claim. The letter promises to pay the medical costs out of any proceeds from the accident settlement. Many medical providers understand that it takes time to settle a claim and they agree to wait for payment until the case is settled. However, any medical costs not covered by the settlement would be your responsibility.
Sometimes your attorney may be able to negotiate with medical providers to accept a lower amount if the settlement is lower than or just over the amount of medical costs. Having an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney on your side from the beginning of your case is one of the best steps you can take to protect your right to receive compensation for your injuries.
Call A Fresno Personal Injury Attorney For More Information
If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your health is your first priority. After you have received medical attention, contact our office to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno personal injury attorney. Our attorneys offer free case evaluations for accident victims and their families in Fresno, CA and throughout the surrounding Central California Valley area. We want you to have the facts you need to make an informed decision how to proceed with your accident claim.
Before talking to the insurance adjuster for the other person, call us! Don’t let an insurance adjuster convince you that he is looking out for you — he is working for the best interest of the insurance company. Contact Torem & Associates by calling (888) 500-5000 or by using our convenient online contact form.
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