Accidents happen quickly, and rarely do you expect them. And the aftermath of an accident can be devastating. When you are injured in an accident and you are not at fault, it may take time to get the money you are due. According to the latest figures from the New York State Department of Transportation, the location of the accident dictates the cost of it. Most accidents fall in the range of $30,000 to $40,000; however, they can be as low as $15,000 or as high as $63,000. However, there are some points you should know about how you can receive financial help after being in an auto accident.
Insurance
In some states, your car insurance may step in and pay for your medical bills when you have been in an accident. When you live in a no-fault state, car insurance policies provide money for medical bill payments. If you live in an at-fault state, the insurance company of the person at fault will pay your medical bills. However, this may lead you to be in a position where the person at fault does not have sufficient coverage for your needs. In cases such as these, you may have to file a lawsuit. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, most cases settle out of court, and only about 4% go to trial. There are roughly 16,397 cases on trial each year.
In some cases, your health insurance may also be able to provide assistance in paying your medical bills after an accident. This, again, depends on the laws of the state in which you live. You should not expect your health insurance to cover lost wages or continued rehabilitation.
Contingency Medical Payments
If you have decided to pursue legal action as a result of your accident, you will need a lawyer. Your lawyer can contact your medical care providers and discuss the option of contingency medical payments. This means they do not attempt to collect money for treatment from you until the case has been settled. If this is an option, your lawyer ensures that these payments are included as part of your settlement agreement. When exercising this option, you want to ensure you are not at fault for the accident. However, this also means that you cannot have done anything to shed doubt on who is at fault. In addition, you want to ensure you had no drugs or alcohol in your system. The legal limit for alcohol when driving in California is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
Borrowing Money
If you cannot find money to see yourself through, you may need to consider options for borrowing money, such as a personal loan. However, you do want to consider these options carefully and mindfully. You do not want to make a poor decision because you feel desperate. Instead, you want to review the terms of the loan and look for the best terms you can find.
If you are in a really desperate situation, you may consider bankruptcy. It is an option for wiping away debt. It does, however, come with consequences that must seriously be considered. It could be a path when you have exhausted all other options.
When you or a loved one has been in an auto accident, and you find yourself in need of assistance, especially paying your bills, it is a good time to seek help from a professional. An accident and injury lawyer is able to understand your situation and talk with you about all of the options you have. There may be some additional options of which you were not aware. Contact a lawyer today to understand all of your options.