While car accidents can be terrifying, the medical bills that follow are sometimes another level of scary. One of the biggest concerns people often have after a collision is how to pay for associated medical costs. Indeed, this is a big reason people file insurance claims. Unfortunately, it can take a long time for an insurer to process a medical claim. If you have found yourself in the difficult position of wondering how to pay health care bills resulting from a recent accident, here are five options you may have.
- Work With a Lawyer
Regardless of what you decide to do, it can be helpful to talk to a legal professional. By working with an experienced car accident attorney like from the law firm Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation. You will be able to have a better understanding of the options that are available to you. In addition, hiring an attorney can sometimes provide you with additional options such as postponing medical bills until after the settlement of your case.
- Private Health Insurance
The most common way for people to cover accident-related medical expenses is through their private insurance company. If you incur costs that your health care policy does not cover, your auto insurance may be able to pick up the bill. That said, the latter compensation will take longer than your regular health insurer.
- Medicare or Medicaid
If you are a Medicare or Medicaid enrollee at the time of your collision, then you can expect whichever program you have to cover the costs for your medical care, with some limitations. Keep in mind these public forms of insurance are only available to individuals who meet certain age or income requirements.
- Out of Pocket
While it is probably not ideal, another option you may have for paying for your up-front costs is your own checkbook. This may be a time when you need to consider your savings fund if you have one.
- Emergency Loan
For those who find themselves in particularly difficult situations, emergency loans can sometimes offer another solution. Depending on your bank or credit union, you may be able to work something out with reasonable interest rates and/or a payment plan. Finding yourself in need of covering medical bills after a collision is not a situation anyone wants to be in, but you may have more options than you realize. No matter what you end up doing, it can be a good idea to contact a car insurance lawyer with any questions you may have. Find out today, and get the compensation you deserve!