One accident can change your whole life in an instant by limiting your physical capabilities, inducing emotional stress, and causing significant financial loss. Between ambulance fees, ER visits, surgeries, tests, labs, prescriptions, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments, medical bills can pile up fast. Knowing what to do and how to manage an unexpected flood of expenses is crucial.
1. Act fast – don’t wait to file a lawsuit
The longer you wait to file a personal injury lawsuit, the longer it will take to receive compensation. Even after you get a judgment, it will take time for your payout to arrive. If you haven’t already, contact a personal injury attorney right away for a consultation. If they determine you have a strong case, they’ll fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Many lawyers will take a strong case on contingency, which means you won’t have to pay any fees unless you win a settlement. So don’t hesitate to get a consultation if you’re afraid of racking up more bills. With a contingency fee agreement, you have nothing to worry about.
2. Negotiate a medical lien
Once you’ve filed a lawsuit, you have the potential to negotiate your medical bills through a medical lien. A medical lien is where a provider, like a hospital, agrees to get paid out of your settlement if you can’t pay them now. This can be a great option, but be careful when negotiating the terms. Don’t accept outrageous fees. Your best bet is to have your attorney negotiate on your behalf.
3. Check your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy
If you have a PIP auto policy, it might help pay immediate medical expenses regardless of fault. It depends on your policy, so call your insurance company and ask.
4. Track all related expenses
To ensure you get paid for all of your related medical expenses, track everything, including over-the-counter medications, travel costs to get to and from your appointments, medical equipment (like crutches or braces), and home care services. Even if it seems small or insignificant, add it to your list of expenses to build a paper trail. Thorough documentation will strengthen your claim and help you get a higher payout.
5. Beware of early settlement offers
Chances are, the first settlement offer you’ll get will be extremely low. Insurance companies intentionally lowball offers, hoping the recipient will accept it and move on so they don’t have to pay much. They’re hoping you’ll accept their offer before you realize the true value of your claim.
Patience will pay off. Never accept the first offer you get; have your attorney negotiate a better offer. If your lawyer is actively negotiating a settlement on your behalf, don’t accept a settlement if the insurance company bypasses your lawyer and contacts you directly. This is a sneaky tactic some companies use to get out of paying full value.
6. Ask for a payment plan
Whether you’re struggling to pay medical or household bills, it never hurts to ask for a payment plan. You might be surprised to see how many companies are willing to work with you during hard times. Some hospitals offer payment plans with little or no interest, and some providers have charity care programs where they forgive certain medical bills completely. It never hurts to ask.
7. Use MedPay
MedPay is an optional auto insurance policy add-on that covers medical costs, regardless of fault. If you have this type of policy, and your injury resulted from a car accident, MedPay can help you cover some bills before you get your settlement money.
8. Ask a friend or family member for a loan
You might consider it a last resort, but if you’re in a tough situation, ask a friend or family member for a small loan to at least cover your household bills. Prioritize what you pay by urgency. For instance, if your medical bills go to collections, at least you’ll still have your electricity and rent paid.
9. Stay persistent
The system can be slow, but don’t let it get you down or make you give up. Insurance companies love to drag things out, hoping you’ll stop trying to negotiate, accept their latest offer, and go away. Stay with the long game – the compensation you’ll get will be worth it in the end.
Don’t let the bills overwhelm you
Bills can pile up fast after an accident, but the sooner you get a lawyer involved, the faster you’ll get paid. Don’t give up the fight. Pursue it to the end and you’ll be in a better financial position before you know it.
