How do I handle my medical treatment after a truck accident?

Milwaukee Truck Accident Lawyer Helps Injury Victims Get Medical Care

You were driving on I-94 near Milwaukee when a semi-truck hit your vehicle. Now you're hurt, worried about mounting medical bills, and unsure what to do next. At Hupy and Abraham, S.C., we understand how scary this situation can be.

Our Wisconsin truck accident lawyers have helped injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois get the medical care they need while protecting their legal rights. We know medical bills can pile up quickly after a truck crash, and we want to help you understand your options.

Immediate Steps After a Truck Accident

Taking the right actions after a truck crash can protect your health and your legal rights. Here's what you need to do:

• Call 911. Even if you feel fine, get checked at the scene by emergency responders who can identify serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
• Document everything. Take photos of visible injuries and get contact information from witnesses who saw how the crash occurred.
• Accept medical transport. If emergency personnel recommend going to the hospital, do not refuse treatment or try to drive yourself.
• Follow up promptly. See your primary care doctor within 24-48 hours of the crash, even if you were treated at the hospital.
• Keep records. Save all medical bills, prescriptions, discharge papers, and treatment instructions in one place.

Which Doctors to See After a Truck Accident in Wisconsin

Medical care after a truck crash often requires multiple specialists working together. Here's who you may need to see:

• Emergency medicine physicians. These doctors provide initial trauma care and determine what specialists you need to see.
• Primary care physician. Your regular doctor coordinates your overall care and makes referrals to specialists.
• Orthopedic specialists. These doctors treat broken bones, joint injuries, and other musculoskeletal problems common in truck crashes.
• Neurologists. For head injuries, nerve damage, or spinal cord injuries, a neurologist monitors your recovery and recommends appropriate treatments.
• Physical therapists. These health care providers help restore mobility and strength through targeted exercises and treatments, often working with patients for months after serious truck accidents.
• Plastic surgeons. When accidents result in severe scarring or disfigurement, plastic surgeons perform reconstructive procedures to restore appearance and function.
• Mental health professionals. Psychologists or psychiatrists help accident victims cope with trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD following serious truck crashes.
• Occupational therapists. These specialists help patients relearn daily living skills and adapt to any permanent limitations caused by their injuries.
• Speech therapists. After brain injuries or lengthy intubations, these specialists help restore speech and swallowing functions.
• Rehabilitation medicine physicians. Also called physiatrists, these doctors specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, coordinating long-term recovery plans for folks with severe injuries.

Who Pays the Medical Bills After a Truck Accident in Wisconsin? 

Several parties may be responsible for covering your medical expenses:

• Trucking company. If the truck driver was at fault, their employer's insurance should cover your medical costs.
• Other liable parties. The truck manufacturer, maintenance company, or cargo loader might share responsibility.
• Your insurance. Your health and auto insurance can help cover immediate costs while liability is determined.

Should I Use My Health Insurance or Car Insurance?

Understanding which insurance to use after a truck accident can be confusing. Your health insurance and auto insurance medical payments coverage (often called med-pay) can help cover your treatment costs, but each has distinct advantages and limitations.

Your auto insurance med-pay coverage typically offers these benefits:

• No network restrictions. You can see any health care provider without worrying about whether they're in-network or out-of-network.
• No deductibles. Med-pay coverage usually pays from the first dollar of expenses without requiring you to meet a deductible first.
• Quick payment. Claims are typically processed faster than health insurance claims.

However, med-pay coverage has limits. Most policies only provide $5,000 to $10,000 in coverage; once you exhaust your med-pay benefits, they're gone until your next policy renewal. Furthermore, many folks waive their med-pay coverage in exchange for a lower monthly premium. You’ll want to make sure you have this coverage for your vehicle. 

Your health insurance offers different advantages:

• Higher coverage limits. Most health insurance plans cover millions in medical expenses annually. You won’t have to dip into your own pocket once you’ve reached your deductible.  
• Ongoing care. Your coverage continues as long as you maintain your policy, and you can use it for multiple doctors simultaneously (provided they all accept insurance).
• Prescription coverage. Most health plans include prescription drug benefits. Certain injuries, like organ damage, may require you to be on certain prescription medications for the rest of your life.
• Reduced costs. Health insurance companies negotiate lower rates with medical providers, which means more of your eventual settlement stays in your pocket.

The most effective strategy often involves strategically using both types of insurance. Start with your med-pay coverage for immediate expenses, then transition to your health insurance for ongoing care. Keep careful records of all medical expenses and insurance payments; this documentation will be necessary for your injury claim.

How to Correctly Document Your Medical Treatment and Expenses

A thorough record of your medical treatment helps your legal case and ensures you understand the full extent of your expenses and recovery progress. We recommend that you:

1. Record all appointments, treatments, and how your injuries affect your daily activities. Include details about pain levels and any limitations you experience.
2. Keep every document you receive from health care providers, including intake forms, discharge instructions, and treatment plans, in a dedicated folder.
3. Ask for itemized statements that show specific treatments and procedures rather than just summary bills with total amounts.
4. Save receipts for all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications related to your injuries, including dates and amounts paid.
5. Keep records of all your miscellaneous expenses, such as child care, home services, mileage to and from medical appointments, parking fees, and any specialized transportation needs resulting from your injuries.
6. Maintain copies of all insurance correspondence, including Explanations of Benefits (EOBs) that show what services were covered and amounts paid.
7. Save documentation of work missed for medical appointments, including pay stubs showing lost wages and any correspondence with your employer about medical leave.

At Hupy and Abraham, S.C., we help truck accident victims throughout Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois get the medical care they need while pursuing fair compensation. Our team understands truck crash claims and can help coordinate with medical providers and insurance companies.