How to Handle Your Medical Bills After Your Injury
Posted Thursday, February 28, 2013 by Chris Thayer
After you have been in a truck accident, you may be wondering how you are going to handle the medical bills that are piling up. There is no need to be overly anxious, however; your Seattle truck accident attorney can advise you regarding possible payment options that might be available to you.
What if I Can’t Pay My Bills as They Are Incurred?A common question that arises is whether doctors, hospitals and other medical facilities will wait for payment if you cannot pay the bills that you incur. In most cases, if there is no need to pay the bills immediately, many medical providers will agree to wait to be paid for their services until the case is ultimately resolved with a settlement or judgment in court. You will want to let your medical providers know as early as possible if you do not have health insurance or another means to take care of the bills, so that they will know what to expect.
How Will My Lawyer Ensure That These Medical Expenses Are Paid?Keep in mind that in many cases, your Seattle truck accident attorney will have the task of making sure your doctors and medical providers receive payment. Most lawyers will have money withheld from your settlement or court verdict; these funds will then be used to pay off the medical bills you have incurred. Many doctors and medical facilities will have you sign a form (called a subrogation or lien form) that allows the attorney to withhold a certain amount of money from the insurance settlement in order to pay off medical bills.
Why Doesn’t the Insurance Company of the Responsibly Party Pay the Medical Bills for My Injuries?Contrary to what you might expect, most insurance companies will not do this. For one thing, most insurers do not want to pay a large amount for current medical bills and then be faced with a remarkably large demand in the final settlement negotiations. Also, most insurers would prefer to conclude the claim with a single sum of money instead of an ongoing series of payments.
Contact UsA Seattle truck accident attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve for your injuries. Call Chris Thayer today at (206) 340-2008.