Paying for Medical Treatment after an Auto Accident
Paying for Medical Treatment after an Auto Accident
If you have sustained an injury in an automobile accident, the very first thing you should do is head to the emergency room to receive the medical attention you need. As an injury attorney, I have witnessed the devastating effects that not seeking medical help right away can have, both on a person's wellbeing and on their auto accident case too. In general, people don't have a good grasp of the insurance claims process, and how the auto insurance they have purchased can help them immediately pay for their medical bills. To make sure you are prepared in case you happen to be in an accident, it is important to clearly understand what you should do when dealing with your insurance company.After you have received any medical help you may have needed from the emergency room after an accident, you should notify your car insurance company immediately and open up a PIP claim. PIP is short for "personal injury protection," and if you do not already have it, you should immediately purchase as much coverage as you can afford. PIP coverage is no-fault coverage, and therefore even if you caused the accident, it will still pay for your injuries. I can't tell you how many times over the course of my career as an automobile accident attorney that I have seen PIP coverage essentially save my clients. Many people fear that by opening up a PIP claim, they're going to see their rates drastically increase, but there is actually a law in the state of Washington that prevents this from happening. Because of that, there is no need to fear that opening up a claim may actually hurt you in the long run.Your insurance company, however, is only interested in making profits, so they are going to put up a fight. There is a good chance that they will have you see a doctor that they choose to undergo an "independent medical examination," or IME. The doctor and insurance company in this case have a relationship where each relies on the other. The doctor makes money off of the referrals, and in return, they usually side with the insurance company. If they say that you are fine and no longer need medical help, then your PIP claim can be cut off. Despite this being a tool of the insurance company to lower or deny your claim, you have to see this doctor, and it is important that you be 100% honest with him or her the entire time.If you believe that you need further treatment despite what the IME doctor says, you will have to go through your normal health insurance. If your injuries were caused by someone else's negligence, then you can still go through their insurance company to have your bills paid. You may not need an attorney for your case, but most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you have no reason to not consult one for advice. Accident Injury Car Accident Claim Car Accident Lawyer Auto Accident Faq's How Can A Car Accident Affect Your Insurance Rates? Missouri Injury Lawyer - Have You Been Injured In An Accident Car Accident Lawyer Seattle Represents Your Case Property In The Court The Different Types Of Accident Injury Claims Auto Accident - Beware Of Your Insurance Agent Two Succeed With Lawsuits About Truck Accident With Paralysis Injury West Palm Beach Chiropractors, Chiropractic Adjustment, auto accident, Crack the back, chiropractor Plaintiff Seriosly Hurt In Accident With Suv However Insurance Comapny Makes Low Ball Offer Football Injuries