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If a negligent or reckless trucker caused a collision and you were hurt, then they are responsible for paying any damages you incurred, including all your medical bills. Under Florida law, if you are seriously injured in a crash, you have the right to file a lawsuit for damages against the at-fault party, even if you have PIP coverage.
Your truck accident claim settlement should cover your medical expenses for the medical care you required after the accident and any future medical treatments, but how are you handling medical bills after a truck accident in the meantime? Some providers may not provide services without some form of payment. There are a few options you can discuss with your Palm Beach Gardens truck accident lawyer to ensure that you get the care you need while your truck accident claim is pending.
Use your health insurance coverage
You may have to use your own health insurance to get treated initially, but be sure to inform your health insurance company that you are filing a personal injury suit. Most carriers have a clause in their policies, known as subrogation, that requires victims in personal injury cases to reimburse them for the medical care the insurer paid for. Talk to your lawyer; they can help you figure out how much you owe your insurance company and ensure that your settlement covers it. Make sure that your settlement covers any out-of-pocket costs you paid, like copays and co-insurance, too.
Use your auto insurance coverage
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, requiring drivers to carry a personal injury protection (PIP) policy to cover their medical bills and property damage resulting from an auto accident. However, the law also permits people who are seriously injured (per the law’s definition) to file a suit against the at-fault party for damages their PIP doesn’t cover.
PIP car insurance policies also have subrogation clauses, so just as you would with your health insurance carrier, you’ll have to pay it back for covering your medical care.
Repaying healthcare provider and hospital liens
Florida law permits hospitals and other medical care facilities to place a lien against any recovery a personal injury victim receives. The doctor or hospital provides the medical care you need, and once your truck accident claim concludes, you repay the lien. You can get the high-quality medical care you need, including surgery and specialist care, without having to wait (and potentially having your health suffer).
Before signing a personal injury lien, though, talk to your lawyer and have them either draft the document or review its terms. Your lawyer should understand how much the provider will need to be paid back, and is responsible for withholding the appropriate sum from your settlement to cover the lien.
Apply for a pre-settlement medical advance
Also referred to as “pre-settlement funding,” a medical advance is a private loan extended by a medical care funding service. These are companies that provide short-term loans to personal injury plaintiffs as an advance against their settlement. Repayment terms are usually tied to your settlement amount.
Be careful with this option, as non-repayment could leave you in debt or affect your credit. And, some of these organizations can be predatory. Before you approach a medical lender for a pre-settlement advance, talk to your lawyer and have them review the terms of repayment for you, including noting any interest they may charge.
Need help after a truck accident?
Do you need help paying medical bills after a truck accident? You may be eligible for a large settlement. Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, lvey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 for a free case review.