If you were hurt in an Ohio car crash, you may be out of work and have medical bills you are unsure how to pay. If you cannot afford the necessary medical care after a crash, there may be several options available to you so that you can get the care you need, even if you cannot afford to pay right away.
Working with a car accident lawyer ensures you understand the options and have someone on your side fighting for the money necessary to cover these costs. They can also help you manage the bill collectors in the meantime.
Who Pays for Medical Treatment After a Car Accident in Ohio?
Ohio law holds the at-fault driver legally responsible for the expenses and losses incurred by victims of a crash. This means their insurer should pay your medical bills and other related expenses.
However, it could take an insurance settlement several months to pay out. Sometimes, when a case goes to trial, you might not have the money you need for a year or more. You might be left holding bills for hospitalization, treatment, physical therapy, and prescription medications you cannot afford. Still, you have to get immediate medical care. Delaying treatment can put your health and legal right to compensation at risk.
Without immediate medical attention, the insurance companies may try to deny or reduce your claim or say your injuries were not serious or occurred in some other way. You should see a doctor about your crash injuries as soon as possible, even if you are not sure how to pay.
What are Your Options If You Cannot Afford the Medical Bills After a Crash?
Some of the ways you may be able to pay for your medical care after an accident include:
Your Health Insurance Coverage
If you have health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, you could use it to cover your treatment. You may have to pay co-pays or deductibles to use this coverage, but it will ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible. After your case closes, your insurance provider may file a subrogation claim to recover the money it spent.
MedPay Coverage
MedPay, also known as Medical Payments, is optional auto insurance coverage that pays for accident-related medical expenses regardless of fault. If you carry MedPay, you can use it to cover the cost of your treatment, care, and follow-up appointments up to the policy limit.
Letters of Protection
Your attorney may help you with a letter of protection for your medical care provider. This letter is a contract that says they will provide payment out of any settlement or verdict in the case. This action prevents you from having to make payments upfront. This may be the best option if you do not have insurance or cannot pay the co-pays. Your attorney can negotiate these terms for you.
What Happens to Your Bills While You Wait for a Car Accident Settlement?
Until your case is closed and you have recovered compensation, your medical bills are technically your responsibility. This is true even if another driver caused the crash. This could lead to issues such as your account going to collections. You will want to have a strategy in place and ensure everyone knows how and when they will be paid.
When you work with a personal injury attorney on your collision claim, they may take several steps to help you deal with your accident-related bills. This could include:
- Notifying care providers you are pursuing a legal claim
- Negotiating bill reductions, erasing late fees, or delaying collections
- Using settlement proceeds to pay liens and unpaid balances
You should not ignore your medical bills even if you cannot pay them right now. You should let your personal injury lawyer know about each invoice and every care provider you see. This allows them to work to protect your credit and ensure you recover compensation to cover your medical debt.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer If You’re Struggling With Medical Bills
Trying to heal, file an insurance claim, and deal with your unpaid medical bills is stressful. Working with an attorney who handles situations like yours and will provide guidance and advice as you navigate the claims process can greatly reduce your stress, making it easier to decide what to do.
Your attorney can help you by:
- Identifying the coverage available to you through MedPay, your health insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, or other options
- Coordinating with your medical providers to ensure continued treatment
- Fighting for compensation for your past and future medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses
Many car accident victims do not believe they can afford to hire a lawyer because of their current financial situation. However, injury lawyers generally work on a contingency fee basis. They do not ask for upfront payments, and you only pay them from the money recovered in your case when you win. This ensures anyone can afford the guidance and advocacy they provide.
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What Damages Will an At-Fault Driver’s Insurer Pay After a Car Crash?
Under Ohio law, accident victims can recover compensation for a wide range of costs and losses they incurred because of their injuries. Depending on the circumstances, this could include:
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays and surgery
- Follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medication
- Long-term care
- Future medical expenses related to the injury
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic losses
Many car accident cases settle, and you may not need to sue the at-fault driver. However, it is critical to protect your right to sue. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, you generally have only two years to sue for a personal injury, though there can be exceptions.
Talk to Our Team About Paying for Your Care After an Ohio Crash
Contact The Fitch Law Firm LLC today for a free consultation. We will examine your case, explain your options, and help you get the care and compensation you deserve. Our founder, Attorney John Fitch, has 30+ years of experience handling injury cases. Call us now to get started.
