It’s a terrifying and stressful experience to go through an accident. It’s even more so if you have injuries requiring medical attention. One of the major concerns after an accident is how to pay for medical bills. It can be tempting to put off dealing with medical bills until after the accident has been settled, but this could be a costly mistake.
Here are some tips on what you should do about medical bills after an accident.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
The first step is understanding your insurance coverage. This includes health insurance, auto insurance, and any other insurance plans that may cover your medical expenses. Most auto policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage which can help pay for your immediate medical needs following an auto accident.
Even if you don’t have PIP coverage, some states may allow you to use your health insurance policy to cover any costs associated with the accident. By understanding your coverage options before submitting a claim, you can ensure that all of your expenses are paid in the long run.
Know What to Do With Bills That Arrive Before the Settlement
If you receive any bills before the case is settled, there are two important things you need to know. First, make sure that all of the bills come directly from healthcare providers. These are different than notices from a collection agency or lawyer.
Second, keep track of all of the billing information. It will be important when considering a settlement or filing a lawsuit against another party involved in the accident. If possible, it’s best to negotiate with healthcare providers directly as they may be willing to lower their fees or accept payment plans to avoid sending the bill to collections or going through legal proceedings.
Talk to a Professional about Your Options
It’s important not to attempt handling your medical bills alone. There are many complex laws and regulations surrounding personal injury claims. All of them can affect how much money you receive from a settlement or lawsuit.
An experienced attorney will help you understand all of your options and protect your rights throughout the process. They can also work with insurers and healthcare providers on your behalf. This way all parties involved get what they’re due without a lengthy court battles.
Dealing with medical bills after an accident can seem overwhelming. There are steps you can take to make sure that everything is taken care of properly and quickly. Start by understanding your insurance coverage. Know what type of billings should be sent directly from healthcare providers. And finally, speak with a professional about your options. This way you’ll know that all of your medical expenses will be taken care of in due time without any hassle or stress on your part.
To learn more about what to do after an accident or to speak to an attorney if you’ve been injured on Maryland’s roads, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.