(562) 698-6446
(562) 698-6446
At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier personal injury attorneys know pursuing a claim can take time. California personal injury lawyers typically do not start negotiating with the liable party’s insurance company for compensation until their client reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is when the injury victim’s physicians believe they have fully recovered from an injury or illness.
At this point, their claim can proceed to settlement negotiations or litigation to recover damages.
The question is, what happens in the meantime? Mounting medical bills can play a significant role in the stress and anxiety injury victims face when recovering. Unfortunately, their worries are often compounded by extended time away from work, which means no income. Lost wages will undoubtedly factor into their personal injury claim.
In the meantime, there are ways to address medical debt incurred while recovering.
Common Ways to Address Medical Bills While Recovering from a Personal Injury in California
The first line of defense to counter mounting medical bills after a personal injury accident is to use your health insurance—whether a private policy, employer-provided coverage, or Medicare/Medicaid—to cover medical expenses related to your injury. This can include hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, and rehabilitation services.
Ensure you understand your insurance coverage, including deductibles, copayments, and out-of-network costs, and keep track of any receipts, bills, or miscellaneous costs incurred.
Other options may include:
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
MedPay is an optional no-fault insurance policy covering accident-related medical bills and funeral costs for you and your passengers. When added, it is a valuable component of your auto insurance policy, as it is optional coverage and not required by law.
It can help cover medical expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage can significantly help pay for medical costs, relieving you of immediate financial pressure.
- Negotiate Payment Plans
Contact your healthcare providers and medical facilities to discuss payment options and negotiate payment plans if you cannot fully pay your medical bills. Many healthcare providers will work with patients to arrange manageable payment schedules.
- Medical Liens
Some healthcare providers may agree to place a medical lien on your personal injury case, allowing them to be paid directly from any settlement or judgment you receive from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your personal injury attorney can arrange medical lien options to help take the pressure off you while you heal.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney in Whittier Today
If you have been injured because of another person or party’s negligence, call (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys in Whittier today to discuss the full scope of your financial recovery needs. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue the liable party so you can focus on regaining control of your life while we handle the legal details.
