If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being in a car accident, you know how much of a pain they can be. If you’ve been injured, there are medical expenses. If you have to take time off of work, there are lost wages. And, of course, you’ll need to pay to have your car fixed, or even replaced. Dealing with payments after an accident can be an added pain, but if you were not at fault, there are systems in place to have these costs and damages paid for.
That being said, some drivers on the road don’t have health insurance to cover their immediate medical treatment after an accident. If you fall into this category of drivers without health insurance, there are several things you can do to get the immediate care you need and have your bills covered, including hiring a car accident lawyer. Continue reading to explore your options.
Compensation from the At-Fault Driver
Compensation for your medical treatment can be won in a personal injury settlement or lawsuit, but this process can take months, while your medical bills stack up. You may assume that the at-fault driver is required to pay for your medical expenses, but this is not the case.
The law does not require the driver who caused the accident to pay your bills as you incur them. It only states that the person at fault must pay damages to resolve your lawsuit. This may not seem fair, but luckily injured drivers without health insurance have other options.
Medical Payment Insurance Coverage
Medical payment coverage, also known as “med pay,” is a policy put in place by auto and property insurance carriers. It will cover the injured person’s medical bills up to the at-fault, insured driver’s policy limits. These policy limits rarely exceed $10,000, so if your bills are above that amount, you will be responsible for paying the difference.
Following your accident, find out if the person who hit you has “med pay” coverage. While it may leave you paying for some bills, at least you won’t have the burden of paying all of them.
Health Care Provider Payment Plans
People who work in health care know that not everyone who comes through their doors is insured. Because of this, many physicians are willing to set up payment agreements. In some situations, you may be asked to sign a personal injury lien. This states that you will pay for your medical bills using any money won in a personal injury verdict or settlement.
A binding contract like a lien ensures that the physician will be paid for his or her services before you, the client, receives any money from your personal injury case.
Coverage from Medicaid
Another option to have your medical bills covered comes from government programs like Medicaid. This federal program helps low-income people by providing them with health insurance coverage.
You will need to contact New Jersey’s Medicaid agency to see if you qualify for Medicaid. For example, if the accident results in the loss of your job or health insurance, it’s possible that you will qualify. The program may pay some of your past medical bills in addition to ongoing medical costs.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Depending on your circumstances, one or several of these options may help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injury and damages. The Law Offices of Peter Davis in Paterson, New Jersey has car accident lawyers standing by to help you with your personal injury case.
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