I’d rather have pain, than pay out-of-pocket

Recently, a car accident client told us that: “I’d rather have pain, than pay out-of-pocket.”

Anytime you are in a car it is an inconvenience.

When we ask people about their medical bills they tell us: “Oh, the other person’s insurance company is paying for them.”

While there is some truth to that statement, they’re not paying for the bills as you treat.

Let me explain.

Timeline of medical treatment during a personal injury case

After a car accident, you might go to the emergency room or urgent care.

Here, you will generate a medical bill that will be covered by your PIP insurance.  Most people have $2,500.00 of PIP coverage.

Next, you will go to chiropractic or physical therapy for your injuries.

Here, you might generate medical bills totaling anywhere from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00.  PIP will cover these bills, but only up to your limit of $2,500.00, minus what has already been paid.

So, if you exhaust your PIP and are still treating, then you are on the hook for paying for those medical bills.  Unless you have a provider that will treat you knowing that a personal injury settlement is down the road.  Then they will treat you, but likely will assign a lien to your case so that they get paid.

Of course, if your provider doesn’t do that, then yes you are on the hook for the medical bills while you treat.  Maybe you have health insurance, but you’ll have to pay the co-pay if you have one.

This is why it’s important to work with an attorney that can refer you to medical providers that are familiar with automobile accident cases.

While we don’t want you to have any out-of-pocket expenses, that’s not a guarantee. In fact, you probably will have some expenses.

What if your settlement isn’t enough to cover your medical bills?

So, what happens if your settlement isn’t enough to cover your medical bills?

Again, if you work with a provider that understands the risks of personal injury cases, they might be willing to write off some or all of their outstanding bills.

This is not the usual scenario, but it can happen.

Schedule a free personal injury consultation today

If you’re in pain, you should treat for your injuries regardless if it’s as a result of a car accident or not.

Looking for a reliable and experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer? Albers & Associates are proud to provide exceptional legal help to those in need throughout the state. We take a personal interest in each of our clients, provide expert legal advice, and will advocate for you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Albers & Associates are located in Westminster, Columbia, and Frederick, Maryland.