Personal InjuryMedical Liens Can Be Problematic, Says Chino Car Accident Lawyer
A skilled Chino accident injury attorney will tell you that car accident victims often make costly mistakes when dealing with doctors, chiropractors and other medical providers. One major mistake often made is signing a medical lien for medical care. Before addressing this issue, a quick glance at the car accidents in Chino, California may help add some perspective.
Car Accidents in Chino Occur with Unsettling Regularity
In 2006, Chino accident statistics by the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that seven people were killed and 439 were injured in city car collisions. Those who drove under the influence were responsible for two deaths and 46 injuries. Pedestrian accidents in the city resulted in three fatalities and 11 injuries. Bicycle accidents injured 22. Motorcycle accidents killed one and injured 20. In 2007, nine car accidents caused nine fatalities. In 2008, two car accidents resulted in two fatalities.
Medical Liens Tend to Over Treat and Over Charge Patients
The most accomplished Chino car accident lawyers know that car accident injury victims need to choose their medical providers prudently. "Car crash victims can be over charged for medical services, especially if they sign a medial lien," says John Bisnar. "Doing so means doctors are paid directly from the compensation amount when a case finally settles. This can be a very enticing deal for the medical provider." The reason for this is that doctors and chiropractors will often work together to "over treat" a patient and enlarge the final medical bill with unnecessary and high priced procedures. They will also stall and evade requests for copies of billing statements and other medical records. When the case settles, they're first in line to collect their bills, leaving little left over for the accident victim's other expenses.
The other problem with medical liens is that they can be very tempting for cash-strapped accident victims, especially if they lack proper medical insurance. With a medical lien, bills can be deferred for as long as the trial or settlement negotiations continue. "In some instances, arbitrators have been asked to reduce the inflated amounts charged by the medical providers," notes John Bisnar. "But rather than agree to the reduced amounts, the lien providers sued their patients for the original charges, pointing back to the medical liens, which their patients had signed months or even years earlier."
Seek the Advice of a Car Accident Lawyer Regarding Medical Liens
An experienced Chino car crash lawyer can help guide you on the best way to deal with medical care costs after a car collision injury. Some of the best lawyers offer no charge, no pressure consultations. They will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your are fairly compensated for your various losses and injuries.
For additional advice, read "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Personal Injury Claim" by California personal injury attorney John Bisnar. The book ($14.99 value) is free to accident victims--just go to www.BestAttorneyBooks.com to get a copy sent to you, or you can buy one at www.Amazon.com. Be sure to check out other Los Angeles County car accident lawyers who practice with BISNAR | CHASE.
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