What If I Am Injured in an Accident But Do Not Have Health Insurance?

 Posted on July 28, 2020 in Personal Injury

Living without health insurance can be a large risk to take on, but you may feel as if you have no other option. It is no secret that the United States has some of the highest medical costs in the world, with many Americans uninsured. Luckily, many companies offer health insurance to their employees so that they are not financially destitute just for going to the doctor. The level of coverage varies based on the plan offered, meaning that some medical treatments will be covered by your insurance while others may require additional out-of-pocket fees. For those without health insurance, going to the doctor may be a last resort when injuries or illnesses begin to surface. While this may be acceptable for the common cold or flu, anyone who has been involved in a vehicle collision or workplace accident should seek immediate medical attention. Such accidents can lead to serious, and potentially fatal, injuries if left untreated. The fear of ongoing medical bills may have people thinking otherwise, but luckily, there are options for those without insurance who have been injured in an accident.

Will Doctors Still Treat Me?

Uninsured Americans may not realize that they are still eligible for medical treatments even if they do not have proper healthcare coverage. Hospitals are legally required to provide all patients with the necessary treatment, even if they do not have health insurance. After receiving any required medical treatments, you should speak with the hospital’s administrators to discuss your payment options. Oftentimes, these professionals will work with you to set up a payment plan so that you can pay off the bills over time.

Medical Records for Your Personal Injury Case

Without insurance, your immediate thought may be to ignore your injuries and let them heal at home. If you are involved in an accident of any kind, this should not be your plan of action. Anyone who is injured in a workplace or car accident may be eligible for compensation, especially if a negligent party was at fault. This financial relief often covers any medical bills, time off work, and emotional trauma. The treatments that you are given will be documented on your medical record and will be used in your personal injury case as official evidence of your injuries. Medical treatment must be sought out immediately following the accident, as this is the most relevant proof of any sustained injuries. If you delay going to a healthcare provider or hospital, you can damage your chances of receiving full compensation. The best way to collect full compensation is by seeking medical attention and the help of a reputable personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a Rockford Personal Injury Lawyer

As you can see, the results of a personal injury case can rely on official medical records from a healthcare provider. Your lack of healthcare insurance coverage does not make you ineligible for treatment or for filing a personal injury claim. The legal team at Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law, works with those who have been seriously injured and need assistance arguing their case to receive financial compensation for their injuries. We believe those who cause these accidents should be held accountable for their actions, even if the resulting injuries will heal over time. For help with your personal injury case, contact our knowledgeable Winnebago County car accident attorneys at 815-215-7561 to schedule your free consultation. 

Sources:

https://smartycents.com/articles/injured-without-health-insurance/

https://www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/if-someone-decides-not-to-buy-health-insurance-and-is-injured-in-accident-what-happens/