Accidents are traumatic events which can leave victims with expensive injuries. Following any type of fender bender, motorists should head to the hospital to be diagnosed by a doctor. But how will you pay for this medical care? The price of care has skyrocketed over the past decade. Although motorists can request compensation from the at-fault driver, any settlement will take weeks or months, and you need care now. Below, our Wisconsin car accident lawyers review the primary ways injured motorists pay for medical treatment. Contact us with any questions.
Use Your Health Insurance
According to the Census Bureau, 92% of Americans had health insurance in 2023. Many still receive it as an employer-offered benefit, but others purchase their own policy on a state exchange, or they are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid. Many people breathe a big sigh of relief after a crash because they have insurance.
You can use your health insurance to pay for medical care after a crash. You will be responsible for deductibles and copays, as well as coinsurance. Tell your doctor you were involved in an accident and present your card.
Of course, if you receive a settlement, then your health insurer will have a right to seek reimbursement of the amounts they paid to treat your accident injuries. Don’t overlook this fact. Whatever amount you get in a settlement is not entirely yours to keep.
It’s also not a good idea to hide that you were hurt in an accident. Some motorists are tempted to claim they fell at home, which is why they have a concussion and bruises.
However, insurance companies spend considerable amounts of time and money reviewing every submission for reimbursement from providers, and they will check to see if you are treated for an injury which is common in car accidents.
Be sure to keep proof of any amounts you paid out of pocket, such as copays or deductibles. You want to prove how much you covered on your own.
Submit a Claim on Your Medical Payments Coverage
Some drivers have medical payments coverage, which is also called “med pay.” Although not mandatory in Wisconsin, insurance companies should offer it. You can use med pay benefits for medical care stemming from an auto accident. Unlike other insurance, med pay is no-fault, so you could potentially be at fault for the crash and still use it.
Many drivers carry at least $1,000 in benefits, which are a big help. You might even use med pay to cover the deductible on your health insurance.
Pay for Medical Care Out of Pocket
Someone without insurance might have no choice but to pay for care out of their own pocket. This option often isn’t ideal, because few people have enough cash lying around to cover emergency medical treatment. Another option is to use a credit card, but you will immediately start having to pay interest.
The good news: if you win your case and you paid out of pocket, then you can keep all the compensation for medical bills and do not have to reimburse anyone. Remember to keep detailed records of the care you receive, including prescription drug receipts. This evidence helps establish your damages when it comes to settlement.
Receive Treatment with a Lien
You can also search to work with a doctor who agrees to treat you in exchange for a lien on any possible settlement. The doctor is taking a risk. You might not win your case, in which case the doctor gets nothing, but some doctors are open to this option.
Talk to your legal team about how to find a doctor who can offer treatment in exchange for a lien. This is one of the best reasons to quickly hire an experienced attorney, who can point you in the direction of a qualified medical provider.
Get Free Health Care
You might search for a clinic which offers free or reduced-price care. However, this can take a lot of work, and appointments might not be at convenient times. Someone struggling with a car accident injury might not be able to locate assistance within a reasonable time.
Get the Legal Assistance You Deserve from Our Wisconsin Car Accident Attorneys
Car accidents are disruptive events. Many people will need a year or possibly longer to recover from significant injuries, including concussions and back injuries. Call Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC to discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney. We have won cases that other firms would not even accept, and we know how to maximize the compensation insurance companies are willing to pay.