In the United States, medical debt is the largest cause of bankruptcy. Medical bills account for more than half of all debt collected in the United States. Being seriously injured might follow you for the rest of your life. With initial treatment costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s no wonder that people who have been injured fall into debt. Many patients will use their credit cards to pay for these bills so that their debt doesn’t go to collections. It is a short-term solution that costs thousands of dollars in interest down the line.
When it comes to medical debt after an accident, there are many elements at play. Consulting an expert attorney is the best approach to safeguard your rights and financial security. A personal injury lawyer will know how to deal with your insurance company and whoever caused your accident. They will also deal with everyone else involved in your accident and medical care.
A personal injury lawyer is someone who helps people who have been hurt in an accident get the legal help they need. They work in tort law, which includes both negligent and intentional actions. They help seek compensation for accident victims.
An accident can cause a catastrophic injury that requires extensive care. It can prevent you from going to work and can be financially devastating. Even financially stable people can fall into medical debt after a major accident. Medical debt can form because of the gap between the actual treatment cost and what your insurance covers. More often than not, insurance covers only a part of the enormous treatment costs. Here are a few ways how a personal injury lawyer can help you avoid debt:
- A lawyer can gather evidence to strengthen your case
A personal injury lawyer may gather evidence that will support your claim. It may include obtaining any police or incident reports. They may go out of their way to find witnesses and get witness testimonies. They may also gather case evidence, such as property damage, video footage, etc. Lawyers may use evidence to prove the person who caused the accident is guilty and the extent of your losses. This evidence may include medical reports, medical records, bills, employment documents, employment reports, and property damage reports.
- With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you may stand to receive a larger settlement
The guilty party’s insurance representative deals with these types of cases on a daily basis. They can be quite persuasive when bargaining for a reduced payout. Negotiating with insurance companies can be difficult; they have ways of convincing you to accept their first offer. This is why you need the help of an experienced lawyer during this time. Hiring a personal injury lawyer after being hurt often results in higher compensation.
- An attorney can help you better negotiate with insurance firms
Typically, insurance firms have the deck loaded in their favor. They have a lot of money and a lot of legal resources. When working with these organizations, you want to ensure that you are on an equal playing field.
As an injury victim, your goal is to seek maximum compensation for your injuries. After an accident, you may have major medical bills or extensive property damage. In this scenario, you owe it to yourself and your future to do everything in your power to get the best deal you can. An insurance adjuster will most likely have the upper hand over you if you do it alone. They are well-versed in the law. They understand how to persuade you that a low-ball offer is in your best interests when it isn’t. A skilled attorney will intervene, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. They will help level the playing field through skillful bargaining to prove the genuine value of your case.
- A lawyer can also help you get paid faster
If you do not have a lawyer, you must wait until you have recovered before seeking compensation. So, you will have to wait longer to receive your compensation. You should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following your accident. This allows them to submit personal injury claims on your behalf while you recover. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have the expertise to deal with a case like yours and be familiar with the laws involved in such cases. So, they can avoid all setbacks and assist you in receiving compensation as soon as possible.
The bottom line
An attorney can help you get what you need for medical care. With the help of a lawyer, you can get the financial support that you need for long-term medical care. You will not be overburdened by medical bills or face calls from debt collectors. You can also opt for a debt settlement program to manage your existing debts. They may also refer you to the appropriate medical professionals and manage any insurance disputes on your behalf. Holding whoever caused your accident accountable will also be a priority for them. All this will assist you in replacing your income and providing for your family. With their help, you will not have to worry about stepping into debt.
Author Bio: Lyle Solomon has extensive legal experience as well as in-depth knowledge and experience in consumer finance and writing. He has been a member of the California State Bar since 2003. He graduated from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, in 1998, and currently works for the Oak View Law Group in California as a Principal Attorney.
