The costs associated with treating injuries sustained in a car crash can quickly add up to a sum that feels insurmountable. In the case that patients fail to pay their medical costs, many clinics and hospitals would resort to collection agencies. After experiencing the tragedy of an automobile accident, the last thing you need is to be harassed by personal injury debt collectors over unpaid medical expenses. Unfortunately, personal injury incidents often result in mounting medical expenses, and it’s crucial to know how to deal with debt collectors if you’re called after a crash. Learn more!
What Can I Do About My Mounting Medical Bills?
Make a payment arrangement.
When it becomes apparent that you will be unable to pay the outstanding balance, most medical providers will enlist a debt collection firm. Avoid having a personal injury debt collection agency get in touch with you by doing everything you can to talk to your medical provider, explain your financial circumstances, and work out a payment plan. Many doctors and hospitals will understand your financial predicament and agree to take payments over time. They only want to make sure you’re not falling behind on your medical bills, and doing so can prevent providers from sending them to collections.
Debt Validity Contestation
It is possible that your healthcare provider overcharged you for services rendered. If this is your situation and you have reason to doubt the legitimacy of the debt (for example, because the amount or nature of the bill is in dispute), you have that option. As a consumer, you have the right to notify a healthcare provider of a debt error under Texas law and the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The obligation to verify the debt then falls upon the medical service provider.
Put Off Debt Payment For Now
Personal injury plaintiffs may benefit from taking some time before making any payments on their debt. The National Consumer Assistance Plan was established after a settlement agreement was reached in 2015 between 31 states and the three major credit reporting agencies (NCAP). Under this strategy, unpaid medical bills won’t show up on your credit report for 180 days after they go past due. Once you have paid off a bad debt, the credit reporting organisations are obligated to remove it off your report.
