Founding Partner
After a car accident, the last thing you should be worrying about is how your medical bills will get paid. But for many Maryland drivers, that’s exactly what happens. You file a claim, expect coverage, and then the insurance company says no, or doesn’t respond at all. If you’re dealing with this kind of situation, you’re not alone. Insurance companies may try to avoid paying what they owe, but there are steps you can take, and we’re here to help.
Common Reasons Insurance Denies Medical Bills
It’s frustrating to receive a denial letter when you’re already dealing with pain, appointments, and stress. Insurance companies often use specific reasons to justify refusing payment, including:
- Delays in seeking treatment: If you waited too long after the accident to see a doctor, the insurer may argue that your injuries weren’t related to the crash.
- “Unnecessary” treatment: Some insurers claim that certain procedures or therapies weren’t medically necessary, even if your doctor recommended them.
- Incomplete records: Missing paperwork or gaps in your medical history can give the insurance company a reason to delay or deny your claim.
- Policy limits: If your medical expenses go beyond the coverage limit, the insurer won’t pay anything more.
- Disputes over fault: If there’s a question about who caused the car accident, the insurance company may hold off on paying medical bills until fault is established.
Even when you do everything right, these issues can still come up. That’s why understanding your coverage—and your rights—is so important.
Maryland’s Auto Insurance Rules and Medical Coverage
In Maryland, drivers typically carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which can help with medical bills and lost wages after an accident, no matter who was at fault. PIP is often the first source of payment for your medical care after a crash.
Here’s how it works:
- PIP can cover up to $2,500 in medical expenses unless you opted for higher limits or waived it.
- You can use PIP to pay for treatment right away, even before your health insurance or the at-fault driver’s policy kicks in.
If your injuries are serious, that $2,500 may not go far. In that case, you may turn to your health insurance or pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. Maryland follows a fault-based system, so if another driver caused the accident, their insurance should eventually cover your costs—but that process can take time. Meanwhile, medical providers still expect to be paid.
What You Can Do If Insurance Refuses to Pay
If you’ve received a denial or you’re not getting clear answers, don’t give up. You have options.
First, read the denial letter carefully. It should explain why your claim was denied and what information might be missing. From there, you can:
- Request a copy of your full policy to understand what’s covered
- Get detailed notes from your doctor supporting your treatment plan
- Submit an internal appeal with the insurance company, including any new documents
- Follow up with your health insurance provider, especially if they’ve also refused to pay
- Keep records of every communication, including phone calls and emails
Some denials come down to paperwork or timing. But if the insurance company is acting in bad faith—delaying payments without a reason or ignoring your calls—it may be time to seek legal help.
Reach Out for Legal Help
You shouldn’t have to fight with an insurance company while you’re trying to recover. If you’re dealing with mounting medical bills and getting nowhere with the insurer, we’re ready to step in.
At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we’ll deal with the insurance company on your behalf. We can review your claim, identify where things went wrong, and push back when an insurer isn’t doing what they’re supposed to. Our goal is to make sure you get the care you need without worrying about the cost.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Attorneys
If your medical bills aren’t getting paid after a car accident, don’t wait until things get worse. You deserve support and answers. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we help Maryland drivers hold insurance companies accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.