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Dealing with Medical Bills after a Car Accident

July 18, 2018

Dealing with Medical Bills after a Car Accident

A serious car accident can cause significant turmoil in a person’s life. In addition to the physical suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish, the ensuing financial strain can be challenging. Medical treatment for injury is often costly, leaving you with a stack of medical bills to contend with.

Victims of car accident

Unfortunately, the party at-fault’s insurance provider will not pay for your mounting medical bills while they are investigating and disputing your claim. Most injured parties wonder how they can pay for their medical expenses, especially when they are out of work. You are legally responsible for the payment of your medical bills until you receive compensation from a personal injury case. In the Province of Ontario, your own insurer provides accident benefits to pay for medical treatment, however the coverage has limits.

Here are some options to help you pay for your medical bills until you receive your settlement:

  • Health Insurance – If you have health insurance or benefits, it can be used to pay for your hospital bills and medical treatments.
  • Auto Insurance – Most provincial laws require drivers to have one or more of these mandatory coverages:
    • Liability coverage to cover losses or property damage caused by your vehicle during the accident.
    • Accident benefits to pay for your own medical treatments and loss of income after the accident.
    • Collision insurance to pay for the cost of repair and replacement of your car after a collision.
    • Comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of repair or replacement of your car due to vandalism, theft, or damage to the windshield.
  • Deferred Payment – In certain situations, your personal injury lawyer can write a letter asking for a deferment to your medical providers. The letter will state that you are pursuing an accident claim against the party at-fault, and that the payment will be made once you receive your settlement.

First aid to victim in the accident

 

Documenting Your Medical Expenses

If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is critical to document all of your medical expenses in order to acquire an appropriate payout when making a claim.

Documented expense should include, but are not limited to:

  • Hospital stay
  • Laboratory examinations (X-Ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI)
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescriptions
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Emergency room visits
  • Ambulance expenses
  • Transportation cost to and from the doctor’s office
  • Assistive devices

Do not rush to settle your claim too quickly. Waiting to settle your case is the best option in the event that you’ll need future medical treatment. Look to settle your case once you are fully recovered, as this will increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation.

If you have issues paying for your medical bill or filing an accident benefit claim, our Richmond Hill personal injury lawyers at Michelle Linka Law offer a free legal consultation for anyone seeking guidance with their personal injury claim. Call us at 416-477-7288 or email us your inquiry today.

 

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