When you first get into an accident, you have no idea whose insurance is going to be responsible. In the meantime, you need to get your car fixed. You also need medical care. Odds are, your own insurance is going to have to cover these things while you wait to sort your case out.
If you don’t have health insurance, your medical care may be covered by a program like Medicaid. Either way, your insurance company is going to want to reimbursed when you do eventually settle your case. You won’t be allowed to double dip.
When you first get into your car accident, you will likely have to go to the emergency room. Your Athens car accident lawyer suggests that you do. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, you need to get checked out. You have no idea if you’ve been injured or not. You could have internal injuries or a traumatic brain injury. These things can be fatal if left untreated.
When you get to the hospital, they may ask for your insurance information. Your auto policy may cover these costs. If not, then your personal health insurance will. The hospital bills will be high. The doctor will have to run tests. You may even need to stay over. Just the ambulance ride will cost a few thousand.
Don’t worry for now. The important thing is that you get medical treatment. You can worry about how to pay for it later. Your car accident lawyer in Athens will make sure the other driver is held liable for your injuries.
Do the Bills Just Pile Up?
You’ll probably need follow up treatment once you leave the hospital. You may need multiple surgeries and physical therapy. You’ll have to get prescriptions filled. You may even need to rent medical equipment like a wheelchair or crutches.
All of these things cost money. One of two things will happen. Either the providers will wait to submit the bills until after they hear from your lawyer or insurance will pay them.
While all of this is going on, your auto accident attorney will be filing your insurance claim. The other driver’s insurance company may or may not pay your claim. If they do – great. Your medical bills and out of pocket expenses will be paid. But if your claim is denied, these bills will have to be paid by someone.
If you have insurance, they’ll cover these bills. However, understand that they’ll expect to be paid back once your claim settles.
How Long Will it Take to Settle My Claim?
The answer depends on whether your claim is settled with the insurance company or you have to file a lawsuit. Chances are, the insurance company will eventually negotiate a settlement with your lawyer. This could take weeks or even months.
If insurance refuses to settle, your lawyer will have to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Although most lawsuits do settle out of court, it could take a long time for this to happen. If you get injured in a car accident, it could take months for your injury lawyer to settle your case. It could even take a year or longer. It depends on what issues are outstanding.
If the attorneys are just trying to come up with a dollar figure, it may not take that long. However, if they’re at a standstill about who was at fault, it could take much longer.
Once your case settles, you’ll have to pay the insurance companies back. Your lawyer will make sure he sets aside enough money to do this. In fact, part of the settlement will call for the insurance companies being reimbursed. You won’t have to pay this back out of pocket.
Contact an Athens Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or your loved one have been hurt in a car accident, you need help. Contact an Athens car accident lawyer immediately following your accident. They can help you deal with the insurance companies. They can also make sure you get the medical care you need.
Call and schedule your free initial consultation today. Let an experienced attorney answer any questions you may have. He can also let you know what your case may be worth.
The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.