Getting Medical Treatment After a Car Crash – No Health Insurance
If you had the misfortune of being involved and injured in a motor vehicle accident and were injured, there is a high likelihood that you may need medical care. It is important to seek medical care as soon as you can, and there are a few other steps that it is advisable to follow to ensure that the process of getting treated, and then getting compensated for your medical expenses goes as smoothly as possible.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Treatment
First and foremost, after a car accident, you need to focus on taking care of yourself and any injuries that you may have suffered immediately.
Many times, injuries resulting from a car accident, such as a sprained shoulder, any broken bones, concussions, cuts, bleeding, or severe pain are obviously ones that need urgent medical attention. You should also note, however, that symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, pain, soreness that could signify other injuries may not appear until a few days after the accident. Neck and back injuries are among those that may not reveal themselves immediately, but you may need a CAT scan or MRI to detect. If there is a chance that you could have such injuries, you should allow the doctors to administer whatever tests needed to determine that so that you can start treatment right away, as delaying treatment may make for a prolonged and more difficult recovery process.
Moreover, from an insurance standpoint, it is important to see a doctor immediately, as insurance companies may view any gap between the accident and documentation of your medical needs and treatment as a way to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. You are encouraged to attend follow-up appointments and any and all therapy and treatments needed which can help with your recovery and your claim.
The Importance of Documentation
It is important to document any and all medical treatment that you receive, as well as take pictures of your injuries. It is also advisable to keep a journal of your injuries, noting how you feel on a day to day basis and tracking your progress. You are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses after a car crash, and the more documentation you have of your injuries, your expenses for all treatment, hospital bills, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and follow-up treatment, the stronger your claim for compensation.
How to Pay for Medical Treatment Before Your Claim is Settled
Many people have medical insurance that initially covers the cost of their treatment, with copay rates that also may vary. If you do not have medical insurance, there are other options available to you.
If you are in a state that has no fault car insurance, your own car insurance will pay a portion or the entire amount of your medical bills and lost earnings if you get into a car accident, whether or not the car accident was your fault. The following states have no-fault insurance laws, albeit with different parameters which you should check beforehand (or consult with a lawyer about): Florida, Minnesota New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, and Utah.
Also, even if you have a claim against your insurance policy or the other driver in the crash’s insurance policy for compensation from your accident, the process probably would not even get started until you were well into your medical treatment. Medical treatment can be expensive and financially burdensome. You can, however, make a claim for medical payments (“med pay”) under your automobile insurance policy
Another potential resource to help you cover your medical bills is Medicaid. If you do not have health insurance, you are not in a no-fault insurance state, and you do not have med pay (or it is not sufficient to cover your costs), you should talk to your local Medicaid office to see if you qualify.
Taking the precautionary and necessary steps to file a claim as well as provide supporting documentation are excellent ways to ensure that you will receive compensation. Contact a knowledgeable attorney as well to help further navigate you through the process.