What Options Do I Have if I Cannot Afford Medical Care After a Crash?

 Posted on February 05, 2026 in Personal Injury

After a car accident, getting medical care should come first. Unfortunately, many people delay treatment because they are worried about cost. Ambulances, emergency room visits, imaging, and follow-up care can become expensive very quickly. As of 2026, rising medical costs leave many injured people unsure how they will pay for treatment. Waiting too long to get care can make injuries worse and can also hurt a future injury claim.

If you are in this situation, you are not alone, and you do have options. A Takoma Park, MD lawyer can help you understand how medical care is often handled after an accident and what steps may be available to protect both your health and your case.

Why Is It Important To Get Medical Care After a Car Accident in Maryland?

Medical care helps you heal, but it also documents your injuries. These medical records show what happened, when symptoms began, and how serious the injuries are.

Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Head injuries, soft tissue injuries, and spinal problems can take days or weeks to appear. Getting prompt care helps doctors catch issues early and creates a clear link between the crash and your injuries.

What Are My Options if I Cannot Pay Medical Bills Right Away After a Car Accident?

If you cannot afford care up front, there may still be ways to move forward. Common options may include:

• Using health insurance
• Treating under a medical lien with approved providers
• Asking hospitals about payment plans or financial assistance programs
• Working with a lawyer who can help coordinate care while a claim is pending

The right option depends on your situation, injuries, and available coverage.

How Can I Use Health Insurance After a Car Accident in Maryland?

If you have health insurance, you can usually use it to pay for treatment after a crash. This may include emergency care, follow-up visits, physical therapy, and medications.

In some cases, your health insurer may later seek reimbursement if you recover money through an injury claim. This is common and should not stop you from getting the care you need.

What if I Don’t Have Health Insurance After a Car Crash?

Not having health insurance does not mean you cannot get treatment. Many injured people are uninsured or have high deductibles.

In some cases, medical providers may agree to treat patients under a medical lien. This means payment is delayed until the injury claim is resolved. Not all doctors offer this option, but lawyers who handle injury cases often know providers who are willing to help injured patients this way.

Can Car Insurance Help Pay Medical Bills After a Maryland Accident?

In Maryland, your own auto policy may include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which can help pay medical bills early, even before a claim is resolved. Under Md. Code, Insurance § 19-505, insurers generally must offer PIP coverage, and it can help cover accident-related medical expenses and certain wage losses up to the limits of the policy.

Some drivers waive PIP, so the first step is confirming whether it is on your policy and whether any waiver applies under Md. Code, Insurance § 19-506. Even when another driver caused the crash, insurance companies often move slowly. Knowing what coverage you have right away can help you get treatment without waiting months for a settlement.

Can Delaying Medical Treatment Hurt My Injury Claim?

Delaying care can hurt both your recovery and your case. Insurance companies often argue that gaps in treatment mean injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Getting care as soon as possible helps protect against these arguments and strengthens your claim.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me Get Medical Care After a Crash?

A personal injury lawyer can help injured people access care even when money is tight. This often includes connecting clients with doctors and specialists who understand accident-related injuries.

Lawyers can also help manage medical records, track bills, and explain how treatment costs may be handled as part of a claim. This support can reduce stress and let you focus on healing.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Hyattsville, MD Car Accident Attorney

At Kisner Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to worry about medical care after a crash. Attorney Kisner has more than 10 years of legal experience, including extensive trial experience. He also offers concierge medical services to help clients get in to see excellent doctors and specialists right away.

If you were injured in a crash and are worried about affording medical care, call 240-459-0097 to schedule a free consultation with a Takoma Park, MD personal injury lawyer today.