How Do I Pay for My Medical Care After a Truck Accident?
If you were involved in a truck accident, it is critical that you see a medical care provider right away, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Truck accidents involve massive, multi-ton vehicles that can inflict a serious impact on smaller passenger motor vehicles. Sometimes the full extent of your injuries will not be apparent immediately following your accident. This is why it is recommended after a serious accident with a large vehicle, such as a semi-truck, you go to a doctor for an evaluation.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Nearly any truck accident holds the potential for serious injuries. Do not take chances with your health; seek medical attention right away.
Many individuals will avoid seeking medical attention after an accident because they are unsure of who will pay for the medical bills. They may seek to reach an agreement with the insurance company before making a doctor’s visit. This train of thought is dangerous, both to your health and your case.
The longer you wait to see a doctor, the more likely your claim will be denied because the insurance company will cast doubt on your injuries as they did not require immediate medical attention.
Options for Coverage of Your Medical Expenses
The most important thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Your medical bills, pending a successful settlement or lawsuit, can be paid or delayed in several ways.
Use Your Health Insurance
First, if you have health insurance, you can use your health insurance coverage to seek medical care. Do not wait for the insurance company to finish its investigation before seeking a doctor. You will be able to pursue compensation for your outlaid medical expenses later, but use your insurance for now so that you are seen.
It is a common misconception that health insurance will not cover truck or car accident expenses. This is not true. If you have health insurance, you should provide this information to the hospital or other medical facility that treats your injuries.
Be sure to save all bills sent to you by your insurance company so that you can later seek reimbursement for the expenses. Even if you have a high deductible, it is generally still preferable to use your health insurance than later seek reimbursement than wait for the insurer to provide you with coverage for your bills.
Seek a Letter of Protection
If you do not have health insurance, you still have options. You should seek the attention of a truck accident attorney who will help you prepare and issue a letter of protection to a medical facility so that you can be seen. A letter of protection is a letter sent by your attorney to the medical facility, guaranteeing that the medical facility will be paid for bills out of settlement proceeds once the case is settled with the truckers insurance company.
The downside to this approach is that not all doctors will accept a letter of protection. While more and more are recognizing this useful tool, you will likely need to call around or enlist your attorney’s protection to find a medical provider that will accept the letter.
Zinda Law Group: Seeking Full Compensation for Your Truck Accident Related Injuries
It is not always easy to know the right steps to take after a truck accident. Truck accidents leave you confused, in pain, and stressed as to the future. The truck accident attorneys at Zinda Law Group will assist you in the aftermath of a truck accident. We will guide you through the process of finding and paying for medical care.
We will fight to see that you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Call Zinda Law Group toll free at 800-863-5312 to schedule your free consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers.
