Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: auto accident

There are doctors who will work "on a lien." A "lien" is a document that the doctor gives to a lawyer in an accident case to put a claim for his bills onto whatever settlement is made in the future.

These doctors can be hard to find on your own. It's a risky way for a doctor to bill, so not very many will do it. The best way to find a doctor who will agree to work on a lien is to hire an attorney. In fact, most such doctors won't agree to the lien unless there is an attorney.

Re: auto accident

Some health care providers will treat on a "lien" basis (i.e. an agreement to accept payment out of your later settlement). Approach on that basis.

Also check with the driver of the car you were a passenger in. Some policy(s) have medical payment coverage that applies to vehicle occupant(s) regardless of fault.

Re: auto accident

If you have an attorney they can send you to doctors who treat on "lien" basis.

Re: auto accident

Check with the driver of the vehicle you were in to see if he/she has a "medical payments" provision on their auto insurance policy. It is usually on every "full coverage" policy.

Your own automobile insurance policy may have a "medical payments" provisiion that you can tap into. It is possible to tap into both policies for different medical charges.

Think of a "medical payments" provision as "auto accident medical insurance". You can treat pretty much with any doctor. The doctor can bill the auto insurance company directly with your authorization.

Some healthcare providers will treat you on a "lien basis", meaning they get paid from your settlement proceeds. Most will require you to be represented by an attorney. Be clear with the healthcare provider regarding the cost of your treament. Many "lien doctors" will hike up the bill and cause some real settlement and ethical issues.