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At Dermer Appel Ruder, our team of experienced car and truck accident attorneys in Norcross, Georgia, are well-versed in the complexities of these cases. We understand that no one anticipates being injured in a traffic collision, and we’re here to help you navigate the legal and financial challenges that may arise.
The latest Georgia Traffic Safety Facts reported that approximately 3% of all 911 calls were related to motor vehicle traffic incidents in which emergency medical services (EMS) transported persons to a hospital (44,306 EMS transports).
Motor vehicle traffic-related incidents are a significant concern in Georgia, accounting for 32.4% of all injuries treated by designated and non-designated Trauma Centers. Last year alone, these incidents led to a staggering $1.8 billion in hospitalization and emergency room charges, with 7,317 hospitalizations and 111,061 emergency room visits.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car or truck accident in Georgia can be daunting, especially if you don’t have health insurance. In this article, we will discuss the potential options for medical coverage and treatment, including the use of MedPay insurance and medical liens.
Does your Auto Insurance Policy Include Medical Payments Coverage?
MedPay insurance, or medical payments coverage, is an optional add-on to auto insurance policies available in Georgia. It helps pay for medical expenses related to vehicular accidents, regardless of who is at fault. MedPay is meant to fill in gaps in your insurance coverage, such as deductibles, copays, and other costs not covered by other policies. Georgia law does not require that you carry MedPay, but it can be beneficial if you do not have health insurance.
If you do not have optional MedPay coverage and require ongoing medical treatment for injuries suffered in a car or truck accident in Georgia, certain medical providers treat patients using medical liens or Letters of Protection.
How Do Medical Liens/Letters of Protection Work?
Medical providers who treat patients on medical liens/Letters of Protection agree to provide necessary medical treatment up front. They understand that they will be paid from the settlement or judgment proceeds once the patient’s personal injury claim is resolved.
With the help of our skilled personal injury attorneys in Georgia, you can find various medical
providers willing to work on a lien basis. We have relationships with various medical providers willing to provide medical treatment in return for a medical lien.
Do Not Delay Medical Treatment After a Crash Due to the Lack of Health Insurance
If you have been injured in a vehicle collision in Georgia, seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you do not have health insurance, emergency care must still be provided by a local hospital or clinic until you are stable.
Immediate medical attention ensures that your injuries are documented from the outset, providing a clear and accurate record of the accident’s impact on your health.
Prompt medical treatment can prevent minor injuries from worsening. For example, untreated soft tissue injuries can lead to chronic pain or long-term disability. Early medical evaluation can detect these injuries before they become more severe.
Seeking immediate medical care also helps establish a direct link between the accident and your injuries. Delays in seeking treatment can lead to questions about whether the injuries were caused by the accident or another event. Detailed and timely medical records provide strong evidence in a personal injury claim. They can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the need for compensation.
Finally, insurance adjusters may use any delay in seeking medical care to dispute the severity or cause of your injuries, potentially reducing your compensation. Immediate medical care can help ensure that your medical expenses are covered by insurance, whether through your own policy’s MedPay coverage or medical liens.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have questions about how you can get the medical treatment you need without health insurance, contact our Georgia personal injury lawyers at Dermer Appel Ruder today by calling (404)-892-8884 or online to discuss your case during a free consultation.