Being involved in an accident can be a life-altering event. Both physically, if you sustain major injuries, and financially if the medical bills from your injuries are piling up. A settlement can sometimes provide needed assistance.
If you received a settlement due to your accident, it can take a good amount of time before you have money in hand from the amount awarded. Until then, the bills from several medical providers who have treated you may become a source of stress for you and your family. An ambulance ride, treatment from an ER doctor, surgery, a hospital stay, and physical therapy can all add up quickly. If you factor in the fact that you may not be able to return to work due to injuries sustained from the accident, the stress factor can be overwhelming.
ACTION STEPS TO TAKE
If you find yourself the victim of an accident, there are some things you can do right away that may alleviate the stress of handling bills while waiting for a settlement.
Don’t avoid medical treatment if you feel you can’t afford it. This could make your injuries appear less severe. Medical bills can be good evidence needed in your case. So, avoiding medical treatment may not tell the whole story of your injuries sustained during an accident.
Hire a personal injury lawyer who can fight for you and your rights as an accident victim. The personal injury process from beginning to settlement is complicated and you need someone on your side with personal injury experience. Often, people who hire attorneys statistically receive more money in their injury settlement, though this is not guaranteed.
Keep good records of all medical bills and keep them organized. Make sure that your lawyer knows the dollar amount of medical bills, so they are aware of all your financial needs.
Make sure that all medical bills are being submitted to your health insurance carrier. Check with your medical provider to confirm they are submitting bills to your insurance. If not, ask them to do so or submit them to your health insurance carrier yourself.
Finally, you may be able to work out a monthly payment plan for your bills to avoid debt collection. Making payments until you receive your settlement can stop any harassment from bill collectors.
Have you been injured in an accident in Georgia? Don’t let injuries destroy your financial future. Hire a personal injury lawyer from the Fry | Goehring who can help you navigate life after an injury. Click here to contact us or call (404) 969-1284.
