FAQ - CAR WRECK - MEDICAL BILLS

Sometimes, after a car wreck, a client will call and say shoudn't the insurance company for the other party pay my medical bills? They say, "I don't have any insurance and the wreck wasn't my fault, shouldn't their insurance company be paying my medical bills?"

The answer to that is yes and no. If you prevail in your lawsuit, the at-fault party will ultimately be held responsible for all medical bills related to your car wreck. However, until then, it is up to you to pay your medical bills either through your automobile's medical payments insurance (med pay), through your health insurance, medicare, medicaid, Peachcare, etc. But, the at-fault insurance company has no obligation to pay your medical bills until after a judgment is entered in your favor.

Think about it. Why would the at-fault insurance company want you to incur a bunch of medical bills? They would rather you not get medical care and then argue to the jury "you must not have been hurt very much, after all, you didn't require much medical care."

So, until that time, it's up to you to pay your own medical bills. After all, they reason, it was your choice to not have your own health insurance (never mind the fact that medical insurance is very expensive and out of reach of many ordinary people). Now there are a few doctors who will treat on a lien. That means, we will sign an agreement with them allowing you to receive medical care now in exchange for our promise to send them their money from your award/settlement. If you need medical care from a car wreck that was not your fault, talk to a lawyer who can discuss your payment options with you.
If you or a loved one have been in a car wreck, call KeenerLaw.com at 770-955-3000 for a free consultation.