injured by a malfunctioning saw

Letters Of Protection: Don't Fall For These Myths

30 June 2015 by Lawrence Miller

If you were injured in a car accident, you can't wait for the insurance company to settle your claim before you seek out treatment for your injuries. If you need assistance with delaying your medical bills until you reach a settlement with your insurance company, you can have your auto accident attorney write a letter of protection for you. Here are three myths that many people believe about letters of protection.

Myth #1: A Letter Of Protection Absolves You From Paying Your Medical Bills In The Future

A letter of protection does not absolve you of having to pay your future medical bills. Rather, it informs your medical provider that you are currently pursuing legal challenges as a means of paying your medical bills. The letter of protection states that, if you win your settlement, your medical bills will be paid out of your settlement funds.

If you lose your case, and are not awarded a settlement, you are still legally obligated to pay your medical bills. You may be able to have your attorney help you lower your medical bills and set up a payment plan. However, ultimately you are the one who is responsible for making sure that your bills get paid.

Myth #2: A Letter Of Protection Will Keep You Out Of Collections

A letter of protection, if your medical provider agrees to accept it, will prevent your medical provider from sending your account to collections for a specific period of time.

However, after that period of time elapses, you may need to update your medical provider about the status of your case in order to extend your length of protection.

If you do not pay your medical provider after your case has been settled, at that point in time your medical provider could send your bills to collections. If you lose your personal injury suit and do not set up a payment plan with your medical provider, they could send your bills to a collection agency.

A letter of protection gives you a temporary reprieve from collections, not a permanent one.

Myth #3: Your Doctor Has To Accept Your Letter Of Protection

Most doctors accept letters of protection as a courtesy to their patients. They are not legally required to accept letters of protection. You may find that certain medical providers or medical groups will not accept your letter of protection.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important that you obtain the medical treatment you need right away. A letter of protection from your attorney can help you delay the payment for your medical treatment until your case is settled. Your doctor does not have to accept a letter of protection, and it will only delay your account being sent to collections for non-payment until your case is ended. If you have additional questions about how exactly a letter of protection can help you, be sure to reach out to your attorney.

Share