Even when you’re planning to sue the at-fault driver of a car accident you were in, you’ll need a way to pay your medical bills before the settlement comes. Most people don’t just have that kind of money in their pockets, so are there other solutions? The following are four options you could look into to see if they are possibilities for getting your medical bills paid after a car accident.
1. Workers’ Compensation
If the car accident happened during the course of your employment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. It’s important you are able to prove the injuries were incurred while you were working, so be sure you have collected the appropriate amount of evidence. For example, if you are on a lunch break, you may not be able to collect compensation. If you are on a lunch break and your boss calls and asks you to pick up some staples while you’re out, you are working for the boss and could get compensation if you are in an accident.
2. Health Insurance
If you have health insurance, your provider may offer coverage for your injuries, though you may have to pay it back. Many health insurance companies will place a lien on your settlement, so if you win the case against the at-fault party, the insurance company will be reimbursed before you receive any of the money yourself. Be sure your health insurer knows your injuries are due to a car accident so you can avoid any problems in the future.
3. Personal Injury Protection
Most cars on the road have PIP because it’s a requirement as part of auto insurance in most areas. PIP is coverage that takes care of medical bills for victims of car accidents while they are waiting for settlements to take place or for the at-fault driver’s insurance payout to be received. The first bills that are filed with PIP are the first bills that are paid, and there’s a maximum amount that it covers. Once the maximum amount is reached, you’ll have to use another source for payment of your remaining bills.
4. Medicaid
Medicaid is a government-assistance program for individuals who qualify based on their income. If you don’t have insurance coverage, you may apply for Medicaid, and if you are accepted, it will work just like health insurance to cover your bills. You can’t receive Medicaid coverage until PIP has been used up, so be sure your providers know that and bill the correct entity.
Getting in Touch With a Lawyer
It’s important to get your medical bills paid on time so you don’t end up in financial trouble. If you were in a car accident, contact a car accident attorney, to help you find the resources that will help you get those bills paid.