How to Pay Medical Bills After a Car Accident
Car accidents may sound like minor incidents, but they can be very traumatic. In just an instant, you may sustain severe injuries, not be able to return to work to pay for them, and your medical bills can quickly start to pile up.
Georgia is a tort state and so, you may be able to file a claim against the negligent driver or entity that caused your crash. However, personal injury claims and lawsuits take some time. It is natural to wonder how you are going to pay your medical bills until your case is resolved. Below, our Atlanta personal injury attorney outlines your options.
Your Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, or health insurance through your employer, this coverage can help pay for medical expenses after a crash. It is important to note that you cannot receive double compensation for your medical bills. As such, the health insurance company may try to recover their own expenses if you receive a settlement or judgment. This means that the insurer can ask to be repaid for the amount they covered after you receive a settlement. This is known as subrogation.
Georgia law does place significant limitations on subrogation amounts. For example, health insurance providers cannot exercise subrogation rights until you have been fully compensated for all of your economic and non-economic losses. Although there are some exceptions, insurance companies may be prohibited from obtaining any part of your settlement if you were not fully covered for medical expenses.
MedPay
MedPay is an optional add-on that will cover the medical expenses and funeral expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault for a crash. MedPay often has limits of $25,000, although some policies offer up to $50,000. Still, this can help you cover many of your medical bills after a crash while your personal injury case is ongoing. While not mandatory, it is critical for all drivers to add MedPay to their auto insurance policy, as it can help ensure they are properly protected.
Medical Liens
If you do not have health insurance or MedPay, you may be able to negotiate a medical lien with your healthcare providers. A medical lien allows doctors and other providers to recover payment through your settlement once your case is resolved. Although this can be a lifeline for receiving the treatment you need after a crash, healthcare providers on liens often charge much higher rates. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate reasonable payment for your treatment so you do not lose more of your settlement than you have to.
Our Personal Injury Attorney in Atlanta Can Advise You of Your Options
At The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC, our Atlanta personal injury attorney can advise you of your legal options, negotiate with healthcare insurers and liable parties, and help you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 404-476-2717 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about your legal options.
Source:
oci.georgia.gov/insurance-resources/auto
