This is the next post in my series on the handling of car accidents in Laredo, Texas. My last article discussed why auto wreck victims should speak with an attorney before speaking with an insurance adjuster. It is important to understand that the adjusters represent the interests of the insurance company and not the interests of the victim. Also, it is typical for adjusters to make an early lowball offer to a victim and attempt to dissuade the victim from seeking legal representation. By speaking with counsel, you likely increase the chances of obtaining a more favorable settlement. In this article I will address the commonly asked question of who pays the medical bills after a car accident. If you are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a personal injury lawyer. I also serve other areas of south Texas.
Laredo car accident victims often obtain care with medical providers taking a lien on any eventual settlement
It is common after a car accident for a victim to need extensive medical care. This is especially true if the victim has been seriously injured. Such injuries may include head trauma, spinal damage, or worse. It is common in auto accident cases for medical providers to provide necessary care while taking a lien against any eventual settlement. This can come in one of two forms. First, if the victim has insurance through their workplace then it is common for such an individual to obtain care and charge it against their own insurance. The insurance provider will then file a lien against any settlement that the victim may receive. If the victim does not have health insurance then there are many providers who will provide care while taking a lien against any eventual settlement. It is common for personal injury attorneys to have working relationships with medical providers who will enter into such an arrangement. This means that if you are in need of care and are concerned of how you will pay for it, then there is a chance you will obtain the care you need without having to pay money upfront.
When the time comes to settle a car accident case, it is common for the medical providers to reduce the amount of their liens so that a settlement can be reached. This allows the case to reach a conclusion. Say, for example, Joe Victim is in a serious car accident and requires $100,000 worth of medical treatment. The medical providers file a lien against any eventual settlement in this amount. As the case progresses it is clear that the maximum settlement Joe can reasonably be expected to obtain is only $150,000. After fees and costs, this would leave Joe with essentially no compensation. In such a situation, it is common for the medical providers to accept a reduced amount so that Joe may then accept a settlement. The providers, for example, may accept a reduced amount such as $50,000 as payment in full for their services. This example is meant to be illustrative only. It is important to understand that the amount of a lien reduction, if any, will always depend on the specific facts of the case. If you are a Laredo resident who has been in a car accident then it is important that you discuss your situation with a personal injury attorney.
It is important for Laredo car accident victims to retain an attorney who is experienced in negotiating insurance liens
If you have been in an auto wreck then it is important that you retain a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in negotiating the liens of insurance companies. Firms which do not regularly practice personal injury law may be inexperienced in regards to the extent to which such liens can be negotiated. Failing to negotiate a lien to the fullest extent possible can result in the victim receiving less compensation than the amount to which they are rightfully entitled. By retaining experienced counsel, you help improve your chances of receiving the maximum possible settlement.
I am a Laredo car accident lawyer who takes great pride in the level of service which our office provides. I regularly handle such matters and am experienced in negotiating the amounts of insurance lines with medical providers. If you or a loved one have been in an accident then contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.