How an Insurance Company May Try to Get Out of Paying Medical Bills After a Car Crash

You know that your car accident caused your injuries, and your doctor has created a treatment plan. You trust the treatment plan, and you consented to the hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other medical treatments—but now the insurance company that should pay for all of your accident-related medical costs is refusing to do so.

Our Car Accident Lawyers Anticipate the Insurance Company’s Refusal to Pay Medical Costs

Many insurance companies try to refuse medical costs or other accident-related expenses so that they can pay out as little as possible in claims. When insurance adjusters pay less to accident victims, they keep more profits for their employers and shareholders.

Our lawyers have more than 200 years of combined legal experience. We know the games insurance companies play and we don’t accept them. Instead, we aggressively fight to have all medical bills, and other expenses, included in our clients’ settlements. Insurance companies know this and are often more willing to negotiate with our accident attorneys because they know we mean business. We will go to court if the insurance company is unwilling to provide a fair settlement.

Six Ways the Insurance Company Will Try to Avoid Paying Medical Expenses

Some of the specific ways that insurance companies try to avoid paying your accident-related medical expenses include claiming that:

  • You have a pre-existing condition. The insurance adjuster may argue that the medical bills you submit to the insurance company are for medical care related to an injury you suffered before the car accident. However, if the accident made your pre-existing condition worse or if you suffer a new injury because of the accident, then your medical bills should be covered by the insurance company.
  • Your injury could not have been caused by the accident. Do not accept the insurance adjuster’s word about this. Instead, trust your doctor to diagnose your injuries after a car crash and your car accident lawyer to prove the cause of your injuries to the insurance company.
  • You weren’t in pain at the accident scene. Many car accident victims do not experience pain immediately, but they are still hurt in the crash. If you sought medical treatment in the days following the accident and the doctor said that your pain is related to the crash, then the insurance company may still need to pay for your medical care.
  • You didn’t take an ambulance to the hospital after the crash. There is no requirement that you take an ambulance to the hospital after a car accident. A friend or relative may drive you to the hospital, or you may go to a doctor’s office if your injuries are non-life threatening.
  • You are not as injured as you say. Your medical records should provide documentation about the extent of your injury. Strong evidence can remove any doubt about the injuries you suffer and how they interfere with your life.
  • You received treatment for too long. Generally, insurance companies cover medical treatments that control your pain, improve your medical condition, or prevent your medical condition from worsening. The insurance company may argue that a specific treatment did not further any of these goals and try to deny it. Your doctor’s reason for recommending the treatment and your lawyer’s arguments to the insurance company will be important in getting your specific treatment covered.

Insurance companies may have computer systems that notify adjusters when your medical bills exceed an amount that the insurance company deems reasonable for your injury. However, it is your doctor, not your insurance adjuster, who should decide what medical treatment is reasonable for your injury.

Protect the Full Car Accident Recovery You Deserve

Our car accident law firm has successfully fought insurance companies for more than 50 years. After a Wisconsin car crash, you need a lawyer who knows the tricks insurance companies may use to refuse part of your medical bill claim and who is not afraid to fight for your full recovery.

 

Have You Been Injured In A Wisconsin, Illinois or Iowa Car Accident?

If you've been injured in a car accident you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 800.800.5678 to schedule your free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. We have been helping car accident victims since 1964 and service clients throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa

Did the accident take place in Wisconsin?

 

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.