Getting hurt in a car crash can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have health insurance or a financial safety net. Medical bills pile up quickly, and you may feel stuck, unsure how to get the care you need or where to turn for help.
The good news? You might have more options than you think. From legal support to payment solutions like medical liens, help is out there. Here’s what to know if you’ve been injured and can’t afford treatment.
Medical Liens Let You Get Care Now and Pay Later
The Texas Hospital Lien Statute, under Texas Property Code § 55.001–55.006, allows hospitals and healthcare providers to file a medical lien. If you’re treated within 72 hours of the crash, the hospital can file a lien against any future settlement or verdict. That means you can still receive treatment even if you can’t pay upfront.
The lien attaches to the money you recover from the person who caused your accident. It gives the provider the right to be paid out of your eventual settlement. This setup helps you access immediate care, even if you’re not insured or financially stable.
Medical liens are only valid if filed correctly and apply to treatment during your first 100 days in the hospital. A personal injury lawyer can help verify that the lien was filed correctly and may be able to negotiate it down, so you take home more from your case.
Insurance May Still Cover You – Even If You Don’t Have a Policy
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance is responsible for your medical costs. Texas requires every driver to carry minimum liability insurance, which covers injuries to others. You can file a third-party claim through their insurance company, even if you don’t have any coverage.
If you have car insurance, check if you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP pays medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. It’s optional in Texas, but many people don’t realize it’s already included in their policy unless they opted out in writing.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is another potential payment source. It helps when the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance – or any at all. Like PIP, it’s optional but often part of your policy unless waived.
Even if none of these apply, a skilled attorney can investigate other sources of recovery, including the at-fault driver’s employer (in commercial vehicle cases) or third parties who contributed to the crash.
You Don’t Have to Pay a Lawyer Upfront
Many people believe they can’t afford legal help after an accident, but most personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis. That means the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case or recover a settlement. You don’t have to pay anything upfront, which can be a huge relief when medical bills and lost wages are already piling up.
At Sherman Law Firm, you don’t pay out of pocket. We cover costs like filing fees, expert witnesses, and medical records, and only collect if we recover money for you.
This approach gives you access to legal help, no matter your finances. You focus on recovery while we pursue the party responsible.
The Sooner You Get Help, the Better
Medical debt can feel like a trap, but you don’t have to go it alone. If someone else caused your injuries, you have a right to compensation and legal protections to help you get treatment while your case is pending.
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Bills pile up. The earlier you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be – and the more options you’ll have for managing those costs.
Sherman Law Firm helps injured Texans fight for the care they need and the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you confidently move forward.