How to Handle Medical Bills While Waiting for a Settlement

When it comes to unexpected expenses, few things are more devastating to a family’s savings than an auto accident. Crashes often result in serious injuries, and that means ambulance rides to the hospital, emergency treatments, overnight stays, and physical rehabilitation long after the initial treatment. Every step in the recovery process has a hefty price tag attached, and bills come due earlier than many victims expect.

If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a crash that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be counting on getting compensation for your crash-related expenses from the other driver’s insurance company. However, the claims process isn’t always timely, as insurance companies are reluctant to pay settlements to victims. That means there’s often a gap between bills needing to be paid and victims getting their checks.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we’ve helped many auto accident victims get compensation over the years, and we know that the waiting period can be stressful. When we take on claims, it’s our goal to help victims any way we can, and that includes helping them find the best ways to stay on top of their medical bills and everyday expenses while they wait for their claims to conclude.

Keep These Options in Mind After Your Crash

Seeing big bills pile up after crash-related medical treatment can be overwhelming, especially if your injuries prevent you from working. Thankfully, you have options when it comes to staying on top of your expenses, including:

Your health insurance policy—Health insurance is designed to cover virtually all medical bills, whether they’re due to illnesses or injuries. Car accident-related injuries are no exception. To make sure your health insurance is properly billed, provide your information to the hospital as soon as possible.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage—If you’re a Medicare or Medicaid recipient, you may be able to use those benefits to pay for some of your post-accident medical bills. However, it’s important to note that you may be required to pay some or all of that money back after you receive your settlement check.
Subrogation—If your auto insurance provider thinks you’ve got a good chance of receiving a settlement, it may pay your medical bills for you in exchange for being reimbursed via your compensation check after your claim settles.
Med pay or personal injury protection (PIP) insurance—Many auto insurance policies offer optional supplemental coverage, including med pay and PIP. These types of coverage are designed to help victims pay some or all of their accident costs, regardless of whether or not they’re at fault.
Online fundraisers and charities—In recent years, GoFundMe and other online fundraising services have helped people raise money from friends, family members, and the public at large. In addition, some charities assist families that are unable to pay for medical bills, including after car accidents.
Negotiating with the hospital or billing service—Hospitals are sometimes willing to accept less than what’s printed on bills, especially in cases where families can’t afford them. They also may work with victims and their families to establish payment plans, which can make expenses more manageable.

Unsure of which options are the best for you? At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we’re here to help you through every step of the post-accident process. That includes helping you weigh your options and make the right decision for you and your loved ones.

We’re Here to Help You Get Paid in Full for Your Accident-Related Expenses

Having multiple options for handling your medical bills after a crash can be a huge weight lifted off your shoulders. But we believe that innocent victims shouldn’t have to worry about their own bills at all, nor should they ever have to pay out of pocket. That’s why our Indiana and Illinois auto accident lawyers work hard to get victims every penny they deserve after crashes that weren’t their fault.

After a crash, it’s important to get the ball rolling on your claim as soon as possible. Evidence can quickly disappear, the statute of limitations can expire, and the sooner we can start building your case, the sooner you’ll have a chance to get paid. Don’t wait another day to get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.