If you’ve been hurt in a car accident and your doctor refuses to treat your injuries, you’re not alone. As a Louisiana car accident lawyer, I know many people in Louisiana face this problem. It can feel frustrating and confusing, especially when you’re in pain and need help.
Doctors may refuse to treat accident injuries due to insurance complexities, legal involvement, billing concerns, lack of specialized expertise, or high no-show rates. Seeking care from providers experienced in accident-related injuries, using a letter of protection through an attorney, and promptly pursuing medical treatment can help ensure you receive the necessary care.
But there are reasons why this happens and ways to get the care you need.
Why Do Some Doctors Refuse to Treat Accident Victims?
1. Insurance Complications
Accident-related care often involves auto insurance, medical liens, or legal claims. That means extra paperwork, delayed payments, and potential disputes. Doctors usually prefer billing traditional health insurance, which is simpler and faster. Dealing with auto insurance or third-party billing can be more complicated and time-consuming.
2. Legal Involvement
Some doctors just don’t want to be involved in personal injury cases. They may worry about being called to testify in court or being involved in legal disputes regarding the injury’s cause and extent.
3. Billing Challenges
Many crash victims struggle with out-of-pocket costs, and some doctors fear they won’t get paid, especially if treatment is based on an expected settlement. They may not have systems in place to accommodate third-party billing or letters of protection.
4. Lack of Experience With Accident Injuries
Auto accident injuries often require specialized care that not all doctors are equipped to provide. Injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, and concussions might need the expertise of a specialist such as a chiropractor, orthopedist, or neurologist.
5. High No-Show Rates
Some doctors have experienced higher no-show rates with patients who have auto accident injuries. This might be because patients are dealing with other accident-related issues, such as car repairs, legal matters, or transportation problems. High no-show rates can negatively impact a practice’s schedule and financial health.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 441-3448What Can You Do?
If you’re struggling to find medical care after a crash, here are some steps you can take:
Seek Specialists
Look for doctors who specialize in crash-related injuries. These providers understand the legal process and are comfortable working with attorneys and insurance companies. They are more likely to accept patients with auto accident injuries and have experience handling the related insurance paperwork.
Use a Letter of Protection
If you have a lawyer, they can often connect you with medical professionals who can work on a lien basis, meaning they’ll get paid from the settlement, not upfront. A letter of protection is an agreement between your lawyer and your doctor that ensures your medical bills will be paid from your settlement once your case is resolved. This arrangement allows you to receive necessary treatment without upfront payments, alleviating financial stress during your recovery.
Don’t Delay, Be Proactive
The most important thing to do after an accident is to seek necessary medical treatment, and the sooner, the better. Your health takes priority, so if your doctor won’t treat you, find one that will. That requires you to be proactive, so resist the urge to delay looking for another medical provider. Timing is critical to a good long-term outcome.
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The correct choice – always – is to do the right thing.
FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 441-3448How LJBLegal Can Help
At LJBLegal, we understand how difficult it can be to find medical care after an accident. Our team can help connect you with experienced doctors who are comfortable treating accident injuries and working with attorneys and insurance companies. We can also assist with letters of protection to ensure you receive the treatment you need without upfront costs.
If you’re struggling to find medical care after a crash, call our team today at 985-240-9773. We’ll help get you the treatment you need while we handle your case to get you the best financial justice you deserve.
