Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is stressful enough without having to navigate the complexities of medical bills and insurance company tactics. Unfortunately, even when the other party has accepted liability, there are several strategies insurers use to minimize their payouts. At Harding & Associates, P.C., we have seen how insurance companies try to exploit situations to undermine your case and reduce compensation. Below, we highlight some of the most common issues accident victims face and offer insights on how to protect yourself.
The Issue with Medical Bills: The Danger of Delay
One of the most frustrating situations for accident victims is when medical bills go unpaid, despite being sent to insurance. You might assume that these bills are being processed, only to find out later that they’ve been sent to collections, putting your financial stability at risk. It gets worse if your health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid is involved—if the medical bills aren’t forwarded to them within six months, they can outright deny coverage. This leaves you responsible for the full amount.
The delays and complications surrounding medical bills highlight the importance of working with an attorney who can ensure that all documentation is handled properly and in a timely manner. Ignoring these deadlines or assuming they’ll be automatically addressed could result in severe financial consequences.
Why You Shouldn’t Speak to the Other Side After Liability Is Accepted
Imagine this scenario: the insurance company calls you within the first 15 days and says, “We’ve accepted liability,” which sounds like good news. But here’s where things get tricky—they follow up by asking, “Tell us how the accident took place.”
Now, you might think that if they’ve already accepted fault, there’s no harm in giving a statement. However, the reality is far different. If they’ve accepted liability, they should already know the details of the accident. So, why are they asking you for a statement?
How Insurers Use Your Statements Against You
Let’s say they ask you how fast the other car was going when it hit you. You’re in pain, your car’s rear end is crushed, and you estimate, “Maybe 30 to 40 mph.” But here’s the catch—modern cars are equipped with black boxes known as Event Data Recorders (EDRs). These devices store key data about the car’s speed and other metrics leading up to the accident. If the EDR reveals that the other vehicle was only going 20 mph, the insurer might use this discrepancy to paint you as exaggerating.
Once they establish that you exaggerated the car’s speed, they may argue that you’re exaggerating everything—your injuries, your pain, and the medical treatments you require. This opens the door for them to start questioning the legitimacy of all your symptoms and could lead to reduced compensation.
The Hidden Agenda Behind Requesting Medical Bills
After the accident, the insurance company will ask for your medical bills, which seems routine. But their request goes beyond simply reimbursing you for medical expenses. They want to see the bills because they’re looking for any indication that you might be inflating your treatment costs or seeking unnecessary medical care. This information helps them craft an argument to minimize your claim, paying out as little as possible.
Their request for medical bills isn’t about speeding up the process—it’s about finding any small inconsistency that can be used against you. Without experienced legal representation, you may unknowingly hand over information that will ultimately harm your case.
Protecting Your Rights After an Accident
Navigating an accident claim involves understanding more than just the basics of liability and medical costs. The complexities of insurance tactics, timing issues with medical bill processing, and the potential pitfalls of giving statements to the other side can make or break your case. The importance of having an experienced personal injury attorney at your side cannot be overstated.
At Harding & Associates, P.C., we have seen these strategies used time and time again by insurance companies trying to reduce their payouts. Our team is committed to protecting you from these tactics, ensuring that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves. We know how to manage interactions with insurance companies and ensure that your medical bills are processed properly, avoiding collection issues and denials from Medicare or Medicaid.