Dealing with injuries and medical bills after a car accident can be extremely stressful. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes across the United States in 2021 resulted in approximately 42,915 fatalities and over 2.5 million injuries, including many requiring ambulance transport.
With so many accidents occurring and resulting in major health impacts, it's important to understand how to handle the medical bills that can quickly accumulate following a collision.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
The first priority after an accident should always be getting checked out by a doctor to identify and treat any injuries. According to nationwide statistics from 2022, medically consulted injuries in motor vehicle crashes totaled over 5 million, indicating the need for proper medical care after collisions. Even if you feel fine initially, some symptoms like whiplash may not appear until hours or days later. Getting timely treatment can minimize the severity of your injuries and the associated expenses.
Collect and Organize Bills
As the medical bills start arriving, keep them organized and track what has and hasn't been paid. Create files for medical charges, communication with your health insurance company, and correspondence with any attorneys or insurance adjusters involved. Having these materials easily accessible will help when dealing with questions or disputes.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Reach out to your health insurance provider to understand your benefits and how the claims will be covered. Policies differ on deductibles, co-insurance rates, network restrictions, and reimbursement procedures. Knowing the details of your plan will help you anticipate what you may owe for medical care and what will be picked up by insurance. Follow all procedures for submitting claims and documentation.
Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
Chris Hammons, a car accident lawyer in Oklahoma City, mentions that car accident victims often face significant financial burdens after a crash. The average auto liability claim for property damage in 2022 was $6,551, and the average bodily injury claim was $26,501, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute. Car accident lawyers can help victims recover compensation to cover medical costs and other losses. An experienced attorney like Hammons can deal with insurance companies on your behalf and identify all potential sources of compensation. If a lawsuit is filed, attorneys' fees typically come out of any settlement or award received.
Negotiate with Providers
If you are facing large out-of-pocket medical expenses even after insurance, speak with the billing offices of the providers involved. Many are willing to set up payment plans or work with patients facing financial hardship. Let them know if you have an ongoing injury lawsuit, as they may be receptive to accepting a lien agreement to get paid once you receive funds from the case resolution.
Sorting through medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. But staying organized, understanding your health insurance coverage, negotiating with providers, and consulting a car accident attorney when necessary can help you handle the finances and focus on recovery after an accident.
Reviewed by
