A car accident can lead to devastating consequences. Many accident victims struggle not only with the injuries they’ve sustained in car accidents, but also with emotional trauma and the compounding financial trouble that comes with losing income from missed work.
When someone else is responsible for your injuries, filing a claim can help you win a damage settlement or monetary award. Compensation available to you can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Read on to find out how medical bills can be paid after a car accident.
Filing a Claim to Pay for Medical Bills After an Accident
Paying the bills becomes a major concern for many car accident victims. Medical expenses can soar, whether for emergency or recurrent bills related to physical therapy and other treatments. If you work, spending time away from the job while you recover can take its economic toll.
Finding a way to pay for these bills is one of the primary reasons car accident victims elect to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. In addition to paying for any treatment you may receive related to your car accident injury, filing a claim may also help you receive compensation for other economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Loss of vocation/vocational rehabilitation
- Property damages, including damage to your car
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in exceptional circumstances)
Negotiating a Settlement for Your Medical Bills
Although many people tend to associate these negotiations with high-stakes courtroom drama, most accident victims are in no rush to file an official lawsuit without first having at least tried to settle out of court with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Following the insurance claim’s process allows both parties to avoid the lengthy and often emotional spectacle of court, provided they can come to an agreement at any point.
After you send a demand letter, an insurance adjuster will evaluate the strength of your case based on the evidence. Evidence entered into consideration can include witness testimony, police reports, and medical records. Finally, they may use a special formula to approximate the value of your non-economic damages as a product of actual damages.
Often, the insurance company will offer only a portion of the actual value of your claim in the beginning. Negotiation is a key part of unlocking a high-value settlement at this stage—a fact that compels many car accident victims to seek out the advice of an experienced attorney to help them with their claims.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge
Have you been injured in a car accident? Bringing on an attorney can significantly increase your chances of winning the settlement you deserve. At Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to negotiate a winning settlement, and we’re ready to review your case.
Call 225-387-2323 or fill out the form below to speak to a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer from Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers.