What If I Can’t Afford a Doctor After a Car Accident?
Suffering injuries in a car accident is stressful enough, but for many people, the added concern of how to pay for medical treatment can be overwhelming. The good news is that in Texas, and many other states, there is a legal tool that allows accident victims to receive necessary medical care even if they don’t have health insurance or can’t afford out-of-pocket costs. This tool is called a Letter of Protection (LOP), and it can be a lifeline for victims who need treatment but are facing financial barriers.
What is a Letter of Protection?
A Letter of Protection (LOP) is essentially a promise to pay medical providers from your personal injury settlement. Here’s how it works:
Your attorney issues a letter to doctors, hospitals, or other medical providers.
The letter guarantees that your medical bills will be paid from any settlement or jury award once your case resolves.
In the meantime, you can receive treatment without paying upfront.
This arrangement allows clients to get the medical care they need without worrying about immediate costs, ensuring that their injuries are properly documented and treated, which is critical for building a strong personal injury case.
Why a Letter of Protection is Important
Medical treatment is not only necessary for your health but also essential for supporting your car accident claim. Insurance companies often require proof of injuries, and doctors’ records are a primary source of that evidence. Without proper treatment and documentation:
Your injuries may appear less severe than they actually are
Your case value may be reduced by the insurance company
Delays in treatment can prolong recovery and increase long-term complications
A Letter of Protection ensures that financial limitations do not prevent you from receiving care or hurt your case.
How It Works in Practice
You meet with a doctor or specialist who accepts treatment under an LOP.
The provider treats your injuries, including consultations, imaging, physical therapy, or surgery if needed.
Your attorney guarantees that the provider will be paid directly from your settlement, eliminating the need for you to pay upfront.
This system is particularly helpful for people who are uninsured, underinsured, or temporarily unable to afford medical treatment after an accident.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
An attorney experienced in personal injury cases can:
Draft the Letter of Protection and ensure it is legally enforceable
Coordinate with medical providers to make sure all necessary care is documented
Negotiate with insurance companies to include all medical treatment in your settlement
Protect your rights so you can focus on recovery without worrying about bills
Without an attorney, it can be difficult to secure this type of arrangement or ensure that your treatment and claims are properly handled.
