Medical bills after a car accident can pile up quickly and become overwhelming. Use your health insurance when possible, keep detailed records, and communicate with your attorney about every medical visit and bill. Avoid letting bills fall into collections, ask providers about payment options, and let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company. Acting early can protect your finances, your credit, and your ability to recover compensation under Louisiana law.
Why Medical Bills After a Car Accident Can Quickly Become Overwhelming
After a car accident, your medical bills might start to overwhelm you. It can get to the point where car accident victims avoid checking their mail for fear of another bill, which is a terrible feeling.
Hire a personal injury car accident attorney immediately following a car accident injury to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed. At Jones Law Partners, we help ensure these issues are addressed so you can focus on your recovery instead of mounting medical debt.
Steps You Should Take When Receiving Medical Bills After a Car Accident
When you’re involved in a car accident situation, the first thing you need to do is, take a deep breath. If you have a good Louisiana car accident attorney on your side, everything will work out in the end. Here are the five steps you should take as your medical bills start to pile up.
1. Share Insurance Information With Medical Providers
Provide the doctors and hospital with the car insurance company’s information. Also, use your own health insurance for coverage, if available.
2. Keep Your Attorney Informed About All Medical Care
Let your personal injury attorney know about every medical visit you have attended or plan to attend. Send your attorney a copy of every medical bill you receive after a car accident.
3. Stay Current on Medical Bills When Possible
Pay the medical bills as they come due. You should not let these bills become past due because they will have a bearing on your credit score, which could have long-term effects on your financial wellbeing.
4. Ask About Payment Plans or Temporary Delays
If you cannot pay your bills, contact the medical provider’s office to see if you can set up a payment plan or delay payments while your claim is being investigated. Many medical providers are aware of how these situations work and can be patient with you as you work toward a solution.
5. Involve a Personal Injury Lawyer as Early as Possible
Get your personal injury lawyer involved early. If you make it clear that you have the means to file a lawsuit and dispute any poor rulings from the insurance company, they might be more likely to move quickly and in your best interest to avoid hefty settlements.
When you are trying to heal after an accident that was not your fault, dealing with bill collectors should be your last concern.
Car insurance companies should process claims and pay medical bills promptly. They rarely do. Sometimes they have good reasons to investigate a claim. Other times, they are just really slow. Meanwhile, you are overwhelmed by bills and maybe even turned over to collections, which could affect your credit score.
Dealing With the Car Insurance Company After an Accident
You should allow your attorney to have all conversations with the insurance company after an accident. Sadly, car insurance companies do not have victims’ best interests at heart. Instead, they look to cut corners and reduce expenses wherever they can, even if it means hurting you in the process.
It is rare that a written or recorded statement is necessary. But every phone call with the insurance company is recorded. If you must have conversations with the insurance adjuster, choose your words wisely. What you say can and will be held against you. Better yet, allow your attorney to speak on your behalf so you can ensure that your rights are protected.
It is also important to understand that Louisiana law limits how long you have to take legal action after a car accident. Under Louisiana Civil Code article 3492, most car accident injury claims must be filed within one year from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your claim may be.
Speak With Our Car Accident Attorneys at Jones Law Partners Today
Hiring an experienced Louisiana car accident attorney is the key to avoiding the long-term effects of a car accident. Avoid going into debt over medical payments or being forced to foot the bill for your treatments.
Contact us at (318) 442-1515 to discuss your options and start a conversation about how we can help protect you in car accident lawsuits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Who is responsible for paying my medical bills after a car accident in Louisiana
Medical providers will bill you first, even if another driver caused the accident. Payment may ultimately come from auto insurance, health insurance, or a settlement, but bills often arrive before the claim is resolved. -
Should I use my health insurance for accident related medical treatment
Yes. Using your health insurance can help cover treatment costs upfront while your car accident claim is pending. Your attorney can later address reimbursement issues as part of the claim. -
What happens if I cannot afford to pay my medical bills right now
If you cannot pay immediately, you should contact the medical provider to ask about payment plans or temporary delays. Many providers are willing to work with accident victims who are waiting on insurance decisions. -
Can unpaid medical bills after a car accident hurt my credit score
Yes. If medical bills go unpaid and are sent to collections, they can negatively affect your credit. Taking early action and involving an attorney can help reduce this risk. -
Should I talk to the insurance company about my medical bills
It is usually best to let your attorney handle all communication with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters record calls and may use your statements to reduce or deny your claim. -
How long do I have to file a car accident injury claim in Louisiana
In most cases, Louisiana law allows only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation entirely.
