I am waiting for my settlement or judgment from trial, how do I get my current medical bills paid?

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There are a few ways to get your medical bills paid. First, would be the Personal Injury Protection coverage of your car insurance. In Washington auto insurers are required to offer PIP on all policies. In fact, the law is that if they can’t produce a signed written waiver of PIP, then they have to provide the coverage, even if you didn’t originally buy it. The amount of PIP will be dictated by the insurance policy, but it is generally limited. PIP will, however, help alleviate out of pocket bills by covering your medical treatment.

If you don’t have PIP, or your PIP has been exhausted, then the next payment option would be by your health insurance provider. Depending on your coverage they may be required to help pay for your treatment. In any event, whichever insurance company steps in and pays bills is entitled to be reimbursed for a portion of the bills they paid. This process is called subrogation. Suffice it to say, however, that you are almost always better off having either PIP or your health insurance pay the bills.

Also, some doctors will provide you service initially without payment but they will also need to be paid once your settle your case or are awarded damages. They too will often work with your attorney to give you medical treatment with an agreement that you will pay your outstanding medical bill at the time of settlement.