Posted on Wednesday, March 29th, 2017 at 11:38 pm
One of the biggest expenses in a car accident case is the medical expenses. Medical bills in a car accident case can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially for traumatic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and multiple broken bones.
Unfortunately, the insurance company for the other driver does not pay any medical bills until the case is settled, which could take a year or longer. Many accident victims cannot afford to pay the hospital, doctor, and other medical bills, especially if the person is out of work due to injuries from the accident.
Health Insurance Payments
If you have health insurance, your health insurance company may pay some or all your medical expenses related to the accident. However, your health insurance provider will file a subrogation claim for those costs. A subrogation claim is a claim against your settlement proceeds. In other words, your health insurance provider must be paid back for the medical bills it paid BEFORE you receive any money for your claim. In some cases, an attorney can negotiate a lower amount, but there is never a guarantee.
Medical Liens
If you do not have health insurance or your health insurance company will not pay your medical bills related to an accident, you may still receive medical treatment, but the provider may file a medical lien. A medical lien is like a subrogation claim in that the medical bills must be paid BEFORE you receive any compensation from the settlement.
In some cases, a medical provider refuses to provide treatment without payment. In these cases, your attorney writes a letter to the medical provider promising to pay the bills out of any proceeds from the personal injury claim. Many medical providers accept a letter of protection from a personal injury lawyer. However, if you do not recover compensation from the other party, you are personally liable for the medical bills incurred because of the accident.
Fight for Compensation in An Accident Case
Because your medical bills and other damages can be substantial in an accident case, you need an experienced Sacramento personal injury attorney fighting for your right to receive full compensation for your damages. The insurance company tries to pay as little as possible for your claim. Your attorney understands how insurance companies settle claims and how to fight unfair attempts to lower the value of your claim.
In additional to medical expenses, your attorney fights for your right to receive compensation for other damages including:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Travel expenses
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Mental stress and physical pain
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
If an insurance adjuster tells you that you will receive more money by not hiring an attorney, you need to be cautious. The insurance adjuster does not work for you, and he does not have your best interest as his top priority. Our attorneys only have your best interests as their top priority when filing your claim.
Call a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney for A Free Appointment
Call the Sacramento personal injury attorneys of the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website. Our personal injury lawyers represent clients throughout Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and the greater Sacramento area.
