Bills

Types of Medical Bills After an Accident

The initial medical bills associated with stabilization and treatment following an accident can be astronomical. However, victims are likely to face increasing costs in the coming weeks and months. These are medication, rehabilitation, complications, and even transportation costs. Expenses can quickly add up and become overwhelming without legal support to pursue compensation.

The accident attorneys at Kanner & Pintaluga carefully review each personal injury claim to account for the total medical bills you are facing and include this amount in your compensation package. Here are a few examples of medical bills patients see after an accident.

• Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalization
• Costs Associated with Surgery, Testing, Imaging, and Diagnostics
• Physician Bills, Facility Fees, and Anesthesia Costs
• Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Care, and Physical Rehabilitation
• Prescription Medication
• Medical Equipment (including crutches, braces, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices required during healing)
• Transportation to Medical Appointments
• Costs for Trauma Therapy and Psychiatrists to Address PTSD & Depression
• And More

How to Document and Organize Your Medical Expenses

Proper documentation of your medical expenses is one of the most essential steps in strengthening your personal injury claim. Insurance companies and opposing legal teams require proof of every dollar you’re seeking — so being organized can directly impact how much compensation you receive.

Of course, the team at Kanner & Pintaluga is here to help. Many accident victims have never had to keep such records before, and it can seem like a complex and overwhelming task. However, it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to help you each step of the way.

Here are key medical bills and receipts to keep track of:

• Itemized medical bills from hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialists
• Receipts for co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses
• Invoices for physical therapy, chiropractic care, or alternative treatments
• Pharmacy receipts for prescription medications
• Mileage and transportation costs related to medical visits
• Medical equipment receipts (braces, crutches, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Insurance statements showing what was billed and what was covered

Use these tips to stay organized and keep everything easily accessible:

• Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) to store all documents in one place.
• Use a spreadsheet to track dates, providers, services, and amounts paid.
• Request itemized statements from each provider to clearly show services rendered.
• Take photos of receipts immediately in case paper copies are lost.
• Keep a recovery journal noting symptoms, pain levels, and how your injury affects daily life to support claims for pain and suffering.

Staying organized helps your legal team build a stronger case and protects you from unexpected collections or billing disputes later. The more accurate your records, the easier it is to prove the full extent of your damages.

Why You Should Never Ignore Medical Bills After an Accident

Sometimes, victims set medical bills to the side following an accident with the mindset that a settlement from their personal injury claim will cover them later. However, this is never a good idea. Resolving a personal injury claim can take months – or even years. Ignoring these bills while waiting for a settlement can negatively impact your life.

Ignoring medical bills after an accident can lead to serious financial consequences, including debt collection, damaged credit, and added stress during your recovery. Even if you weren’t at fault, unpaid bills can pile up fast. Keeping track of your expenses and pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim protects your rights and helps you avoid paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.

If you’re facing substantial medical debt following an accident and cannot pay, there are steps you can take to mitigate the situation and avoid unwanted consequences. First, your insurance should continue paying all bills past your deductible until you reach your coverage limit. Next, a few options are available to victims who cannot remit payment for the full medical debt.

You may contact the healthcare network or provider and request a payment plan with a minimum monthly payment. Continue to make these minimum monthly payments as long as necessary. Additionally, many hospitals have bill-assist programs for low-income or indigent patients. Speaking with a hospital social worker can help get you connected to these services. Of course, the team at Kanner & Pintauluga will work on your behalf to secure a positive outcome for your medical bills and help develop a plan of action to stay in good status in the meantime.