When you are injured in a vehicle accident in Louisiana, your first concern should be seeking medical care for your injuries. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should still see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. In some cases, you could suffer a soft tissue injury, such as whiplash, that may not heal with time. The symptoms could grow worse until you cannot continue to perform your normal daily tasks.
If you did not see a physician, the insurance adjuster will argue that your injury was not sustained in the accident. By seeking immediate medical care, you are protecting your right to claim damages for any injuries sustained in the accident.
Who Pays My Medical Bills?
If the other driver or another party was responsible for the crash, that party is liable for damages, including the cost of medical care. In most cases, it is the driver’s insurance company who pays the medical bills. However, the company will not pay any bills until the claim is settled. While it may be tempting to accept a quick settlement because you have bills to pay, it is not in your best interest to settle a claim until your doctor has released you from care. Settling a claim too soon can result in receiving a much lower amount than your claim is actually worth.
It is also not advised to settle a case or sign a release until you consult with an experienced New Orleans accident attorney. An accident attorney can review your case to ensure that you receive a fair and just amount for your claim.
Can the Insurance Company Reject My Medical Bills?
When you are injured in a traffic accident, you have the right to claim the cost of medical care as a damage. The insurance company should pay for “reasonable medical treatment” for injuries sustained in the vehicle accident. However, sometimes there may be disputes as to what is “reasonable.” Your doctor may tell you that you need physical therapy for six months. However, the insurance company may claim that your injury only requires three months of therapy.
When a dispute arises for medical care, it is helpful to have an experienced New Orleans injury attorney on your side. Your attorney can provide medical evidence, either reports or expert testimony, to prove that the medical care was necessary, reasonable, and justified. Once you establish that the medical care was reasonable and necessary, the insurance company should include that cost in your settlement amount.
Unfortunately, there are cases in which the insurance company simply refuses to accept that the care was reasonable. In those cases, your attorney may advise filing a personal injury lawsuit depending on the amount in dispute and the strength of your case.
Contact Our Office for a Free Visit
Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm to schedule a free consultation with a New Orleans traffic accident attorney. Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request your free case evaluation. Don’t hesitate — the first visit is free and we accept most cases on a contingency fee basis.