This is my next post in a series of articles which will discuss dealing with medical bills following a car accident in Peoria, Illinois. My last article provided an overview of the topics I will address with this blog series. Accident victims can greatly benefit from being informed of their rights and options surrounding medical care and costs. The article also pointed out how important it is to hire a personal injury attorney for proper guidance and representation. In this article, I will address the reason why potential medical bills should not dissuade an accident victim from seeking care. Individuals who are injured in car accidents often do not have to pay medical bills up front because of medical liens asserted against a settlement. The cost of medical care should typically not cause someone to delay necessary care. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance following a car accident then contact my office to speak with a lawyer.
Illinois car accident victims are often not required to pay their medical bills up front
Healthcare providers and insurance companies typically assert a medical lien against any future settlement or judgment from a car accident when an individual is injured. This means that the car accident victim often will not see a medical bill for their care until after the case is settled. A medical lien is a legal claim that allows providers to be paid directly from compensation the injured person receives rather than at the time of service. Doctors, hospitals, and other treatment centers agree to postpone collecting payment with the knowledge that they will likely be reimbursed from the settlement. Also, an insurance company may cover any medical expenses upfront and then assert a subrogation claim to recover the costs from the settlement. This system ensures that medical providers are paid and victims receive the care they need.
It is important to understand that delaying medical treatment out of fear of the cost is never a good idea. Unnecessarily putting off care can also hurt your personal injury claim. Even if an accident victim does not feel seriously hurt right away, it is still important to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can become serious if untreated. Getting prompt medical care also creates a clear documentation of an injury and helps to link the injury to the accident. Waiting several days before seeking care can lead to insurance companies arguing that the injury was not caused by the crash. For example, if an accident occurred on a Saturday but the victim did not go to the hospital until Wednesday, the defense could argue that the injury could have occurred after the accident. Getting checked out right away protects a victim’s health and legal interests.
Retain a Peoria car accident lawyer immediately after seeking care
An injured individual should retain an experienced lawyer immediately after seeking medical care. Counsel will take over communication with medical providers and insurance companies. This includes notifying providers that they will be handling such communication and ensuring that medical liens are properly documented. A lawyer obtains medical records and bills, tracks treatment, and can be in contact about possible additional care. This allows a car accident victim to focus on the important business of their recovery.
An attorney also helps by calculating total damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and pain and suffering. Once damages are known, counsel submits a demand letter to the insurance company of the party at fault. Such a letter describes the facts of the case, explains why the party is liable, and requests compensation. This letter can lead to negotiations or even settlement without any need for trial.
If you have been injured in a wreck then contact my office today to speak with a Peoria car accident lawyer. I am a skilled lawyer who believes that every individual deserves respect and quality service. Contact us online or by phone today to schedule an initial consultation. My firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
