Medical Bills
After a car accident, one of the first concerns many people have is how they’re going to pay for medical treatment. Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, follow-up appointments… those costs can pile up quickly. Recently, David Greene from joined Studio 10 to help us understand who is ultimately responsible for those bills.
This is probably one of the most stressful questions people face after a crash. Who actually pays the medical bills?
At the end of the day, the responsibility should fall on the insurance company for the driver who caused the accident. If someone else was negligent, their coverage is supposed to compensate
you for the harm they created, including your medical expenses.
But those bills don’t wait until the case is over, right?
They don’t, and that’s where the anxiety often comes in. Hospitals and doctors expect payment as treatment happens, but a personal injury claim can take time to resolve. So people are often stuck wondering how they’re supposed to bridge that gap.
How is that handled?
There are a few options depending on the situation. Sometimes health insurance can help. In other cases, our office can work directly with medical providers to arrange treatment on what’s called a lien. That means the provider agrees to wait and be paid out of the settlement at the
end of the case.
So someone can still get the care they need, even if they can’t pay up front?
Exactly. Getting proper treatment is critical both for your health and for documenting your injuries. We never want someone avoiding the doctor because they’re afraid of the bill. Part of our job is helping remove that obstacle.
Do providers typically understand that process?
Many of them do, especially if they regularly treat accident victims. They know payment will come once the claim is resolved, and we stay in communication with them along the way.
What’s the biggest mistake people make regarding medical bills after a wreck?
Waiting or skipping treatment because they’re scared of the cost. That can make injuries worse and also make it harder to prove the case later. It’s always better to ask questions and find out
what options are available.
What do you want viewers who may have been hurt in an accident to remember?
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to panic about how you’re going to afford medical care. There are ways to get treated now and sort out the payment as the case moves forward.
If someone is worried about medical bills after an accident, how can they reach Greene & Phillips?
You can stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street anytime, no appointment needed. You can also call or text us at 251-478-1115, or fill out a contact form.
