If you are injured in a car accident, but you don’t have health insurance, you may worry about how the medical bills will get paid. Even if another party is responsible for the incident, it could take months for their insurance to pay. If you have to sue, the legal process may take a year or longer, and you may or may not win. The doctors and hospitals may not be that patient.
Who Is Responsible for My Medical Bills?
If another party is at fault for the accident, you may think that makes them legally responsible for the resulting medical costs. However, you are responsible for your expenses, even if you weren’t at fault for what happened. However, the law does allow you to recover damages from the responsible party through a lawsuit.
Are There Any Other Options for Paying My Medical Bills?
If you are injured in an accident but have no health insurance, a few possibilities exist that may be able to help you with your medical bills. Here are a few options worth examining.
- No-fault car insurance
- Medicaid
- Payment arrangements
No-fault car insurance is not available in every state, but in those where it does exist, the coverage may pay some or all of your medical expenses and lost wages if you are in a car accident, no matter who was at fault. Claims under these policies are called personal injury protection (PIP) claims, and the laws governing them, including coverage limits, vary by state.
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program for low-income individuals. A designated agency in each state administers it. If you are in an accident and have no health insurance, or if you lose your job because of your injuries, you may qualify for Medicaid. Check with your state’s Medicaid office to see if you are eligible and what coverage might be available.
Payment arrangements with your medical providers may be available, especially if the practice specializes in treating accident victims. Many of these providers know their clients often lack medical insurance and instead use personal injury liens. The lien is a document the patient signs that ensures the provider gets paid from any legal settlement or verdict reached. The patient’s lawyer is responsible for making those payments before any funds are distributed to the patient.
Where Can I Get Help?
If you are in an accident, and you need help with managing the medical expenses, you should seek assistance from a knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer in Lakeland, FL. The professional can help you understand what options are available in your state.
Thanks to David & Philpot, P.L. for their insight into personal injury claims and car accident injuries when you don’t have medical insurance.
