Getting into an accident is stressful enough, but when the medical bills start stacking up, it can start to feel like too much. If you’re wondering, “What happens if my settlement isn’t enough to cover everything?” you’re not alone. Many people in New York face this exact situation. The good news is you have options.
Here’s what you need to know about handling medical expenses after a personal injury settlement so you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.
What If My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement?
If your settlement doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, don’t panic. Start by reviewing your settlement agreement because there may be clauses that allow for additional compensation. Insurance companies sometimes overlook certain damages or fail to account for future medical costs, which can lead to a lower payout than you deserve.
Why Medical Bills Exceed Settlements
- Severity of Injuries: Extensive medical treatment can add up fast.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party’s insurance may have limits that don’t cover all your expenses.
- Future Medical Needs: If you need ongoing treatment, your initial settlement may not factor in those expenses.
Do I Have to Pay Medical Bills Out of My Settlement?
One of the most common misconceptions is that you have to pay all your medical bills directly from your settlement money, but that’s not always true.
How Health Insurance Handles Medical Bills
In most cases, your health insurance covers your medical expenses upfront, so you can get the care you need right away. However, if you receive a settlement, your insurance company may ask for reimbursement through a process called subrogation. A personal injury attorney can help negotiate how much you actually have to pay back.
If You Don't Have Health Insurance
If you don’t have health insurance, a lot of hospitals and clinics offer payment plans or other flexible options to help patients manage medical costs.
How Can I Pay My Bills If My Settlement Is Too Low?
If your settlement falls short of covering your medical expenses, there are still options to manage the costs. Many healthcare providers are willing to negotiate lower bills or offer discounts, especially if you’re facing financial hardship. Setting up a payment plan can also help by breaking your bills into smaller, more manageable installments.
Additionally, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or underinsured motorist coverage, to help cover the remaining costs.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
If you were injured in a car accident in New York, you’re covered by No-Fault insurance, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP); this insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000 per person, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. That means you don’t have to use your private health insurance or pay out of pocket for medical expenses related to the crash.
If your medical expenses exceed the $50,000 PIP limit, you may be able to seek additional compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance or underinsured motorist coverage. A personal injury attorney can help determine the best course of action to cover all your expenses.
What If My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement?
If your settlement doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, don’t panic. Start by reviewing your settlement agreement because there may be clauses that allow for additional compensation. Insurance companies sometimes overlook certain damages or fail to account for future medical costs, which can lead to a lower payout than you deserve.
Why Medical Bills Exceed Settlements
- Severity of Injuries: Extensive medical treatment can add up fast.
- Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party’s insurance may have limits that don’t cover all your expenses.
- Future Medical Needs: If you need ongoing treatment, your initial settlement may not factor in those expenses.
Do I Have to Pay Medical Bills Out of My Settlement?
One of the most common misconceptions is that you have to pay all your medical bills directly from your settlement money, but that’s not always true.
How Health Insurance Handles Medical Bills
In most cases, your health insurance covers your medical expenses upfront, so you can get the care you need right away. However, if you receive a settlement, your insurance company may ask for reimbursement through a process called subrogation. A personal injury attorney can help negotiate how much you actually have to pay back.
If You Don't Have Health Insurance
If you don’t have health insurance, a lot of hospitals and clinics offer payment plans or other flexible options to help patients manage medical costs.
How Can I Pay My Bills If My Settlement Is Too Low?
If your settlement falls short of covering your medical expenses, there are still options to manage the costs. Many healthcare providers are willing to negotiate lower bills or offer discounts, especially if you’re facing financial hardship. Setting up a payment plan can also help by breaking your bills into smaller, more manageable installments.
Additionally, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or underinsured motorist coverage, to help cover the remaining costs.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
If you were injured in a car accident in New York, you’re covered by No-Fault insurance, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP); this insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000 per person, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. That means you don’t have to use your private health insurance or pay out of pocket for medical expenses related to the crash.
If your medical expenses exceed the $50,000 PIP limit, you may be able to seek additional compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance or underinsured motorist coverage. A personal injury attorney can help determine the best course of action to cover all your expenses.
How Long Does It Take Lawyers to Negotiate Medical Bills?
Generally, the negotiation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, although it depends on a few factors:
- Complexity of Bills: More complicated medical cases with extensive treatment may take longer to negotiate.
- Insurance Company Response: The speed at which your insurance company responds can also impact timelines.
- Negotiation Strategy: Your attorney’s approach and tactics can affect how quickly a resolution is reached.
When Will You Get Your Settlement?
Once negotiations are complete, most people receive their settlement within a year of the accident, though complicated cases can take longer.
How Long Does It Take Lawyers to Negotiate Medical Bills?
Generally, the negotiation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, although it depends on a few factors:
- Complexity of Bills: More complicated medical cases with extensive treatment may take longer to negotiate.
- Insurance Company Response: The speed at which your insurance company responds can also impact timelines.
- Negotiation Strategy: Your attorney’s approach and tactics can affect how quickly a resolution is reached.
When Will You Get Your Settlement?
Once negotiations are complete, most people receive their settlement within a year of the accident, though complicated cases can take longer.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help With My Medical Balances?
1. Expert Negotiation Skills
Attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies and medical providers to reduce what you owe and reduce your financial burden.
2. Maximizing Your Settlement
An attorney can help ensure all aspects of your damages are accounted for, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses.
3. Fighting Low Settlement Offers
Many individuals receive low settlement offers because they attempt to navigate the process alone. An attorney will make sure you don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to.
Our New York Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help
If your medical bills are more than your settlement, Field Law Group is here for you. Our experienced team is available 24/7 for a FREE consultation to discuss your options. Call 212-739-7278 or contact us today to get started!
About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your case!
Our New York Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here to Help
If your medical bills are more than your settlement, Field Law Group is here for you. Our experienced team is available 24/7 for a FREE consultation to discuss your options. Call 212-739-7278 or contact us today to get started!
About the Firm: With over a decade of experience, Field Law Group has been helping personal injury victims across New York since 2013. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and fighting to get them the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your case!
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
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Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania
Field Law Group, P.C.
17 State Street, 40th Floor
New York, New York 10004
This website contains attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, see Disclaimer.
Designed by PostcardMania