I think I might have made a mistake. I was in a car accident, and the other party’s insurance gave me $1,500 for medical expenses. I accepted that amount, but now I’ve discovered that my medical bill is actually $1,600. The physical therapist I saw seemed frustrated and said, “You shouldn’t have agreed to that before consulting with me,” and the front desk staff looked annoyed as well.
This is my first time dealing with a car accident, and I feel lost without guidance. The therapist wants me to come in twice a week, but I’m unsure how long that’ll go on since he didn’t specify. My back feels fine—no pain or discomfort—but I told him I’d be okay with paying the $100 for a session and stopping there. He insisted we’d just bill the other party’s insurance, but he also made a snappy remark about potentially losing money.
Since I already agreed to the $1,500, I really don’t want to end up with a bill that’s more than that. He even asked me about how much I received for my suffering, and I didn’t tell him the true amount because I felt like they were just after more money. Can I choose to stop treatment? It feels like I’m being pressured to continue. If I don’t go back, I might have to pay that $100, which makes me uneasy.
Edit: I’m not sure how to approach the insurance since I’ve already agreed to that amount. It was just a minor car accident, and no, I’m not suing anyone.
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed after a car accident, especially if it’s your first experience with these kinds of situations. Here are some steps you could consider taking:
Review Your Agreement: If you’ve already agreed to the $1,500, check if there’s any way to renegotiate, especially since you’ve just learned your medical bills exceed that amount. Insurance companies often have processes for such discussions, and you might have more leverage than you think.
Talk to Your Physical Therapist: If you feel pressured to continue treatment that you don’t believe you need, it’s perfectly okay to express your concerns. You can tell them you feel fine and are thinking about stopping treatment. They should respect your decision, though they may want to explain their rationale for why more treatment could be beneficial.
Contact the Insurance Company: It might help to clarify what your coverage entails and whether there’s any possibility of additional compensation for medical bills. Sometimes insurance policies can cover more than the initial settlement amount you agreed upon.
Consider Consulting a Professional: If you’re unsure about the process, consider reaching out to an attorney or a claims advocate who specializes in car accident cases. They can provide guidance based on your situation and help you understand your rights.
Your Health Comes First: If you genuinely feel fine and don’t want to continue treatment, prioritize your comfort over pressure from the doctor or staff. You have the right to make decisions about your own health care.
Remember, it’s essential to advocate for yourself, especially when it comes to health and finances. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends or family as you navigate this!