If you were injured in an accident and are without insurance, you may be feeling lost and wondering who will cover your medical bills. Fortunately, you do have options. Nothing should stop you from getting the medical care you need, and a qualified personal injury lawyer can help you decide the best course of action.
If you were not at fault for the accident, you may receive compensation for your medical expenses and other damages by winning a lawsuit or settling a personal injury claim. However, this process may take several months, and the law does not require the person at fault to pay for your bills as they are accrued.
That being said, the law does require the at-fault driver to pay you damages to resolve your personal injury lawsuit. Below, we’ll go over your options to have, at minimum, some your medical bills paid if you were in an accident and are without insurance.
“Med Pay” Coverage
Some car insurance policies offer medical pay insurance coverage, also known as “med pay.” This type of coverage helps injured parties who were not at fault in an accident by paying for their medical bills. The coverage only goes up to the at-fault insured driver’s “med pay” policy limits. These limits are typically less than $10,000.
If your medical expenses exceed the insured’s “med pay” limits, then you are responsible for paying the excess. Although this may leave you paying for some of your bills, “med pay” coverage can help by covering some of the expenses. Be sure to ask if the at-fault person has this type of coverage.
Medicaid Coverage
If you’ve been in an accident and lost your job or health insurance as a result, you may qualify for Medicaid. This federal program is designed for low-income citizens and sends funds for the states to run their own health insurance programs.
After your accident, you may go to Colorado’s Medicaid office to see if you qualify. Under the right circumstances, Medicaid may pay for your future, and sometimes even your past, bills.
Payment Plans with Health Care Providers
Some health care providers understand that not all patients have health insurance. They may be willing to work with those in need on a payment plan that best suits them.
In some situations, providers will agree to treat a person under a personal injury lien. This agreement means that the patient will pay for their medical expenses using the settlement or verdict proceeds. This contract requires the personal injury lawyer to pay the health care provider before the patient receives any money.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that was not your fault and you are not insured, a personal injury lawyer can help. By consulting with a Heuser & Heuser attorney, you can receive the advice necessary to get the treatment you need. Following Colorado’s laws, we will help you settle your personal injury case and get back to normal. To schedule your free case evaluation, complete our online contact form.
