You may be expecting a large settlement after you’re injured in a car accident, and that will be a big help in getting your medical bills paid. Car accident cases can take months or even years, and you will likely have plenty of medical bills to pay during that time. How can you get them paid before you reach a settlement? The following are just a few ideas.
Workers’ Compensation
When you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation is often a quick way to receive what you are owed. You’ll need to prove you were injured during the course of your job, and that’s where evidence, your time card, and your boss will come in handy. If you’re a delivery driver and you were off delivering a pizza to a customer when your accident occurred, you may be entitled to compensation. If you were on your way home in that same car when your shift ended, you wouldn’t qualify for compensation.
Personal Health Insurance
Your private health insurance could also cover your medical costs when you are in a car accident, even when it’s not your fault. In most cases, the health insurer will place a lien on your settlement. This means before you receive a lump sum after your legal proceedings, the health insurer will be paid back for any expenses they paid on your behalf.
PIP
Most auto insurance policies include personal injury protection. It’s a benefit that covers the medical bills of the insured driver up to a certain point. This is a way you can get some of your first medical bills paid while you figure out a way to pay for the rest. It’s important you understand the amount of PIP coverage you have so you can plan accordingly.
Government Assistance
Medicaid and Medicare are two government healthcare assistance programs for individuals who fall under a certain income level or who have certain disabilities. If you qualify, they will generally require you use your entire PIP amount before you can receive any assistance. If a bill goes through to the Medicaid office and they haven’t received an exhaust notice from your lawyer, you may not get the coverage you need.
Getting a Lawyer Involved
Paying your medical bills is only going to be one thing you have to worry about after a car accident. If you don’t know where to start with your case, contact a lawyer, who can walk you through the process and help you get what you deserve.