After getting in a serious car accident, you will likely have to seek medical help. Depending on your injuries, you may have to get extensive surgeries, countless physical therapy sessions, and mounting medications in order to heal properly. That sort of treatment can’t just be put off until your claim is settled, as a settlement can take months. But if your medical bills are high, and you’re stuck trying to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance provider, what are you supposed to do in order to seek relief?
Your Insurance Options
Health insurance exists to help people pay for their medical bills and cover general and emergency costs. That could include a trip to the emergency room immediately following a car accident, as well as follow up visits with your general practitioner. If you have health insurance, it can be a lifesaver for paying your medical bills while you wait for your claim to be settled. Of course, insurance doesn’t always cover everything, and there may out-of-pocket expenses to contend with. If you are in a tight financial situation, then relying completely on insurance may not be a viable option for you. In addition, if you are in the process of filing a claim, health insurance companies can demand a portion of your claim after you have won it.
However, your auto insurance may include medical payments coverage. This is optional in Colorado, but if you do have it, it can provide no-fault coverage after an accident. This means that you do not have to prove who caused your accident to access these funds. Most coverage starts at $5,000, and you do not have to pay a deductible to access it or pay it back after you file a claim.
There is also the danger that your insurance may decide to act in bad faith and deny you coverage. While insurance is supposed to help provide you coverage when you need it, all insurance providers, including auto and health, are in the business to make a profit. This means, even if you have been a loyal client for years and made every payment on time, they may still decide you are costing them too much and do everything they can to withhold coverage.
Your Financial Assistance Options
On the other hand, you may be able to turn to your government for assistance with paying your medical bills. There are many financial assistance programs for those who cannot afford their medical costs in Colorado. For example, you may qualify for Medicaid or even financial aid from the hospital itself. Your child may also be eligible for special insurance plans to receive immediate medical assistance. On top of that, the Colorado Department of Human Resources, which is designed to help those in emergencies, may be able to offer relief from your medical bills, especially if the accident was not your fault. Knowing exactly what programs could apply to you and your situation can be difficult. Thankfully, the Colorado state government can provide you with a list of possible programs that may be able to offer you help.
Your Legal Options
Of course, some people do not qualify for any assistance programs. At this point, turning to an experienced attorney may be your next best option. An attorney can first help you find new avenues to pay your medical bills that you may have not explored before or known about. Your attorney can also communicate directly with the hospital and explain that you are in the process of making a claim. The hospital may be willing to put a hold on your bills until the claim is settled, or even lower or waive your bills completely.
Of course, finding the right attorney for such an important task can be daunting. Who will take you seriously? Who has the expertise to get the job done? Who will actually put your needs first? Thankfully, you can find the answers to your question with us at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. For top-notch legal help, call our firm at (719) 475-2555 today to schedule a free consultation with a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney.