After a serious accident, most injury victims face one immediate concern long before their case ever settles—mounting medical bills. Emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging, follow-up care, physical therapy, and specialist appointments can quickly become overwhelming. Even with insurance, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses add up fast.

At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we understand the financial strain injured Virginians face while waiting for compensation. Our Richmond personal injury lawyers work closely with clients to reduce medical billing stress, negotiate outstanding balances, and ensure they receive the treatment they need without fear of going into debt.

If you have questions about managing medical bills after an accident, call us today at (804) 409-0876 for a free consultation.

Why Medical Bills Pile Up Before a Case Settles

Most people assume the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay ongoing medical bills as they occur. Unfortunately, that isn’t how Virginia’s system works.
The at-fault party’s insurance only pays your losses after the claim settles, not during treatment. That means you are initially responsible for bills until compensation is secured.

Depending on the severity of injuries and length of treatment, settlement can take months or even years. Factors affecting timelines include:

• The length of your medical treatment
• Disputes over liability
• Insurance company delays or low offers
• Whether the case goes into litigation
  

Using Health Insurance to Cover Treatment Early On

The best way to keep medical bills manageable is to run your treatment through your health insurance, even if someone else caused the accident.

This includes:

• Private health insurance
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Employer health plans

Your insurer pays medical costs upfront, and if a settlement is reached later, they may request reimbursement from the settlement (called subrogation).

Health insurance reduces out-of-pocket expenses and prevents medical debts from going to collections. It also allows you to continue receiving treatment without interruption.

Medical Payment Coverage (MedPay) Can Help Cover Immediate Costs

Many Virginia drivers have Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) on their auto insurance policy. MedPay can provide thousands of dollars of coverage for accident-related medical treatment, regardless of fault.

MedPay can be used to pay for:

• Ambulance transport
• ER visits
• Diagnostic testing
• Chiropractic care
• Physical therapy

This coverage is extremely helpful when victims need financial relief early in their recovery.Negotiating Medical Bills and Preventing Collections

If you do not have health insurance or are still left with significant balances, our team helps by:

• Requesting bill reductions from hospitals and providers
• Asking for temporary holds to prevent collections
• Establishing lien agreements
• Verifying billing errors or duplicate charges
• Coordinating with treatment providers who work with accident victims
  

Many medical providers are willing to work with attorneys because they know the bills will be paid once the case settles.

What If You Can’t Afford Medical Treatment While Your Case Is Pending?

Some clients hesitate to seek treatment because they worry about the cost. This can hurt both your health and your case. Insurance adjusters often argue that a lack of treatment means you weren’t really injured.

Options available include:

• Providers who accept attorney liens – These medical offices agree to treat you now and wait for payment until settlement.
• Specialty financing companies – Some companies offer medical funding for approved cases.
• Negotiating pay-as-you-can payment arrangements – Many clinics allow small monthly payments until settlement.
  

If you’re unsure where to begin, our firm can coordinate treatment with reputable Virginia providers familiar with personal injury cases.

Avoiding Insurance Company Pressure Tactics

Insurance companies often try to exploit financial stress by offering low, quick settlements. They know that when medical bills pile up, victims feel desperate.

You should never:

• Accept a quick settlement before your treatment is complete
• Sign any medical authorization forms from the insurance company
• Allow the adjuster to discuss your bills or treatment before speaking with a lawyer

We handle all communications with insurers to protect your rights from the beginning. For similar guidance on protecting yourself, read our article Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Virginia Car Accident.

Our goal is to protect your credit, your health, and your ability to recover fully after the accident.

You shouldn’t have to worry about medical debt while recovering from an accident someone else caused. Geoff McDonald & Associates helps clients manage bills, protect their credit, coordinate treatment, and pursue full compensation.

Call (804) 409-0876 or contact us online for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Bills Before Settlement

1. What happens if my bills go to collections before my case settles?
   We can often contact the collection agency and request a temporary hold while the case proceeds. In many cases, we negotiate the balance down significantly before settlement.
2. Should I avoid treatment until I know insurance will pay?
   No. Delaying treatment harms both your health and your personal injury claim. Getting prompt care also documents the extent of your injuries.
3. Will my settlement be enough to cover all medical bills?
   Our team works to maximize compensation and negotiate bills down to ensure the settlement covers medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering whenever possible.
4. Do I have to pay back my health insurance company?
   In some situations, yes. This is called subrogation. We negotiate with insurers to reduce repayment amounts so you keep more of your final settlement.