What Are My Options for Medical Treatment After an Accident?

 Posted on January 08, 2026 in Personal Injury

Getting hurt in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence is bad enough without worrying about how you will pay for medical treatment. Yet many people find themselves doing exactly that. What happens if you’re hurt and you need treatment right away, but you don't have health insurance? You might be wondering if doctors will even see you and how you will manage your bills while your case moves forward.

The good news is that a great Hyattsville, MD personal injury attorney can often help accident victims get the medical care they need. Understanding these options can help you focus on recovery instead of stressing about your finances. If you are one of the roughly 100,000 people who will get into a car accident in 2026, call us today at 301-565-1655 to learn more. 

What Happens if You Don't Have Health Insurance and You Get Hurt in a Car Accident?

Not having health insurance does not mean you cannot get medical treatment after a car accident. Maryland follows specific rules about who pays for your injuries.

Under Maryland Insurance Code Section 19-505, all drivers in Maryland must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage unless they waive it in writing. This coverage can pay for some of your medical bills and lost wages after a car accident regardless of who caused the crash. PIP coverage applies even if you were driving someone else's car or riding as a passenger; unless, you waived PIP on your personal policy.

Most individuals in Maryland carry $2,500.00 in PIP coverage.  Often your medical treatment will exceed this amount.  That is where a personal injury attorney becomes very valuable for you and your case.  Many doctors will agree to continue medical care, but only if the person has an attorney.  This is because attorneys can sign agreements to make sure the doctors get paid once a settlement or verdict are received.  Without an attorney, people are often left struggling to pay out of pocket for medical care.

Will the ER Take Care of Me if I Don't Have Insurance?

Federal law requires most hospital emergency rooms to take care of anyone who comes in with an emergency medical condition. This is true whether you have insurance or not. If you suffered injuries in a car accident, the ER must examine you and provide treatment for emergency conditions. 

When you arrive at the emergency room after an accident, tell the staff you were in a car crash. The hospital will create records showing your injuries were caused by the accident, which will be important evidence for your personal injury claim. Get copies of all your medical records before you leave.

The ER can treat immediate injuries like broken bones, head trauma, cuts and internal injuries. However, emergency rooms focus on acute care, not ongoing treatment. You will need follow-up care with other doctors for full recovery.

How Can I Get Ongoing Treatment After a Car Crash if I Don't Have Insurance?

Many accident victims need physical therapy, specialist appointments or surgery after their initial ER visit. Without insurance, finding doctors who will treat you can feel impossible.

A quality personal injury attorney can connect you with medical providers who treat accident victims on a lien basis. This means the doctor agrees to wait for payment until your case settles. The doctor gets paid from your settlement proceeds, so you receive treatment now without paying anything upfront. Your attorney may also be able to help you negotiate lower payments with providers like emergency rooms once your settlement does come in. 

Doctors who work on liens understand personal injury cases. They document your injuries thoroughly and provide records that strengthen your claim. These providers know they will receive payment when your case resolves, so they focus on getting you the treatment you need rather than demanding immediate payment.

Your attorney can also help you access your PIP benefits quickly. Insurance companies sometimes delay or deny legitimate PIP claims, but an attorney like ours who has tried over 100 cases in court knows how to fight back and secure the benefits you deserve.

How Am I Supposed to Pay My Bills While I Wait for My Settlement?

Car accident cases take time to resolve. You might be unable to work while recovering from your injuries, but your rent, utilities and other bills keep coming.

Your PIP coverage includes lost wage benefits. If your doctor says you cannot work because of your accident injuries, PIP will replace a portion of your income. This money comes to you directly and helps you stay afloat during recovery.

If your lost wages are more than your available PIP benefits, then your attorney will make sure to include your lost income as part of the liability settlement.  In the meantime, there are other options such as pre-settlement loans to assist with your life expenses if you are unable to work.  Again, a reputable attorney should have relationships with these loan companies, as many that advertise on television have unconscionable interest rates. 

There are solutions to these problems. The most important thing is that you work with an attorney who understands the financial pressure you face and is tenacious about finding solutions. 

A Great Personal Injury Attorney Should Help You Find Treatment for Your Injuries

Your lawyer's job goes beyond just filing paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies. An outstanding attorney helps you access medical care, connects you with doctors who will treat you, and fights to get you every dollar you deserve.

Insurance companies often try to pressure accident victims into quick, low settlements before they understand the full extent of their injuries. An attorney who refuses to settle just because it is easier and who prepares every case for trial will not let insurance companies take advantage of you. We know from experience that when insurance companies know your attorney has tried over 100 cases in court and wins, they take your claim more seriously.

Call Our Upper Marlboro Car Crash Attorney Today

You deserve treatment after a car accident, and you should not have to face insurance companies alone. Whether you have health insurance or not, a Hyattsville personal injury lawyer can help you get the care you need and fight for full compensation for your injuries.

Whitlock Law is a fierce advocate for accident victims throughout Prince George's County. Attorney Whitlock fights for what is right, not what is easy, and she has the courtroom experience to take your case to trial if necessary. 

Call us at 301-565-1655 to learn about your options in a free consultation.