Should you ever suffer the tragedy of a car crash and become severely injured, your first priority should be to get all the medical attention you need. An experienced Rialto car accident lawyer will warn you, however, that signing a medical lien to cover your medical expenses is the least preferred option in most cases. Before explaining why, a review of car accidents in Rialto, California may be helpful.
Car Accidents in Rialto Cause Many Tragedies
In 2006, the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported that eight people were killed and 392 were injured in Rialto car collisions. Drunk drivers caused four deaths and 59 car crash injuries. A total of four pedestrians were killed and 34 were injured in car accidents. Bicycle and motorcycle accidents injured 12 and 17, respectively. In 2007, seven car accidents caused eight fatalities. In 2008, nine car accidents resulted in nine fatalities.
Evaluate All Other Payment Options Before Signing a Lien
Successful Rialto car collision lawyers know that, in most cases, there are far better ways to settle your medical debts than agreeing to a medical lien. Sign a lien agreement with your doctor, chiropractor or therapist and your lawyer must pay your medical expenses directly from your claim settlement. In contrast, when you pay your medical expenses using your own medical insurance, the insurance company will exercise some oversight on the services and the amounts charged by the medical provider–to ensure you’re not being overcharged. When you sign a lien, no such oversight occurs, and you’re at the mercy of the medical provider as to what they deem is “appropriate.” In many cases, the services offered through medical liens are much more expensive.
But here’s the other big problem with medical liens: If your settlement comes out less than your medical bills–or worse yet, if you get nothing at all–you’re still liable for the full amount of all medical services placed on a lien. Which means, your medical provider will immediately demand payment of all amounts they billed. On the other hand, by not signing a lien, you may be allowed to keep much more of your settlement amount.
Best to Consult a Car Collision Lawyer
A knowledgeable Rialto car crash lawyer can advise you on medical liens and other matters. The best lawyers offer no charge, no pressure consultations. They have the experience and the skills to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your medical and other losses.
In over three decades, BISNAR | CHASE lawyers have represented over six thousand people in car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian and other personal injury cases. The law firm has an “AV” rating, the highest level of professional excellence, by Martindale-Hubble. John Bisnar, who is the author of this article, and his partner Brian Chase each have a “Superb 10/10″ Avvo rating, the highest possible. John was named a “Community Hero” by the United Way, while Brian was named a “Trial Lawyer of the Year” in 2004,one of the 2007 Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and a 2009 OC METRO Top Personal Injury Lawyer. Isn’t this the legal team you want representing you? For more information on Rialto car accident lawyers, visit the BISNAR | CHASE website at http://www.BestAttorney.com where you can get a complimentary copy of the book “The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim” ($14.99 value), or call 1-800-561-4887 for a free consultation.
Copyright 2009 BISNAR | CHASE. All Rights Reserved.
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