You’ve just been in a car accident or maybe a slip and fall on someone’s property. Your heart is racing, your mind is foggy, and you’re feeling pain in places you didn’t even know could hurt. Then, a sobering thought hits you – you don’t have health insurance. What now? How will you get the medical attention you desperately need without plunging into financial ruin?
If you’re facing this daunting situation, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves caught between the urgent need for medical care after an accident and the fear of overwhelming medical expenses. But here’s something important to understand: your lack of insurance should never prevent you from seeking necessary medical treatment after an accident, especially one that wasn’t your fault.
Worrying about medical bills
If you are uninsured, getting medical care for everyday illnesses and routine checkups can be difficult. If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether it be in a car wreck, a fall, or other personal injury, getting the medical care you need to treat your injuries can also be difficult without health insurance.
Immediately after an accident, an injured person is often taken to the hospital emergency room. You may go in an ambulance or be driven by a friend or loved one. You will receive treatment by medics in the ambulance and the emergency room regardless of whether you have health insurance coverage.
What happens next is often more difficult if you are uninsured. The emergency room may advise you to seek follow-up care with a specialist. You may call the office of the medical care providers to whom the emergency room referred you, only to be told they will not see you unless you have health insurance.
Many people assume that since the accident or injury was not their fault, they should not have to pay for the treatment they need. In reality, the doctor or therapist you need to see may require payment at the time you are seen, regardless of who or what caused your injury.
How do I get medical treatment without private health insurance?
If this happens to you, there are several things you can do to try and obtain the treatment you need:
- Ask the doctor to whom you have been referred if they can recommend another medical provider who may offer the kind of treatment you need to those without health insurance.
- Contact the emergency room where you were initially seen and ask for another referral to a practice that provides treatment to the uninsured.
- Ask your friends and family members who may have been in similar situations and received medical treatment. There are a few private medical practices that will provide treatment to the uninsured. If a personal injury claim is pending, they may withhold collection of their bill until your case is resolved and a settlement or verdict can cover medical costs.
- Call the financial offices of large hospitals in your area. Many of them have financial assistance programs for the uninsured. If you qualify, you may be able to receive treatment at a reduced cost or without having to pay copayments up front.
- As a last resort, return to the emergency room for a serious injury if you cannot find another way to get the treatment you need.
Getting the treatment you need to recover from your injuries is the most important thing you can do. The attorneys at Allen & Allen can help you understand how to navigate complicated healthcare and health insurance systems so you can focus on your recovery.
Doesn’t auto insurance factor into medical payment coverage in Virginia?
Yes, if you were injured in a car crash in Virginia, auto insurance factors into covering medical expenses. Here’s how it typically works:
- Liability Coverage: Virginia law requires drivers to carry liability insurance. If you’re injured in an accident caused by another driver, their liability coverage should pay for your medical expenses up to the policy limits.
- Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay): While not mandatory in Virginia, many drivers opt for Med Pay coverage. This pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Virginia requires insurance companies to offer this coverage, though drivers can opt-out in writing. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver or one with insufficient coverage, your own insurance UM/UIM coverage can help pay for your medical expenses.
It’s important to note that Virginia is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for the resulting damages and injuries. A skilled personal injury attorney can help navigate the complex interplay between different insurance coverages and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.
How can a personal injury claim help with medical expenses?
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, a personal injury claim can be a powerful tool to help cover your medical expenses, even if you’re uninsured. Here’s how working with a skilled personal injury attorney can make a significant difference:
- Sending a Strong Message: When you hire a lawyer, it sends a clear signal to insurance companies that you’re serious about your claim. This often leads to faster and fairer claim processing.
- Negotiating Better Settlements: Personal injury attorneys have the experience and knowledge to accurately value your claim. They can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive compensation that truly addresses your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can help gather all necessary evidence, including medical records and expert testimonies, to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
- Representing You in Court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take your case to court. They’ll fight for your rights and present your case effectively before a judge and jury.
- No Upfront Costs: Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they obtain a settlement or verdict for you. This allows you to get skilled legal representation without worrying about immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with injuries, medical treatments, and insurance claims can be overwhelming. Having a lawyer handle the legal aspects allows you to focus on your recovery.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Allen & Allen
Don’t let being uninsured prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in an accident without insurance, consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options. A skilled lawyer can help ensure your medical expenses are covered and your future is protected.
Our experienced legal team works with accident victims throughout Virginia to recover compensation allowing you to seek medical treatment or any further treatment that you need. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your claim and advise you about your legal rights. Call our firm at 866-388-1307 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
About The Author: Bridget Long is an experienced trial attorney focusing her practice on personal injury law at Allen & Allen in Petersburg, Virginia. She has handled cases involving car accidents, catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, and has litigated cases throughout Virginia on behalf of clients injured due to the negligence of others. She is an active member of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and has been named a “Super Lawyer” in Virginia Super Lawyers Magazine for the past seven years. Bridget is passionate about defending the rights of the injured.
