Auto Insurance Claims: PIP, negotiation process, maximum improvement

Question
Hello, I live in oregon.
I had a car accident about a year ago and next week is going to be the termination of my (PIP)benefit. The question is what I have to do in order to make the insurance company to pay my medical bill. My doctor told me that i will need more treatment or maybe a surgery in order to reach the maximum improvement. What are the options. I do not want to hire an attorney if i can do it by myself. My insurance company told me that they will pay any medical bill during the first year following the accident and after that, i have to claim the another insurance company to pay for my medical bill. How can i do that without using an attorney.

hope you can help.
Thank you
Lan.  

Answer
Hi Ian,

I am not specifically familiar with Oregon PIP laws or coverage. However, If someone else was at fault for the accident then you would make a bodily injury claim against their insurance company. They will not pay each of your medical bills as they are incurred. Instead, once all of your treatment is complete and you have been released from medical care, you would present the insurance company with a demand for payment outlining all of your treatment, medical expenses, lost wages, pain & suffering, etc. Then it will be a back & forth negotiation to reach a settlement. The negotiation process could take several months or longer depending on the seriousnes of your injuries. This is why many people hire an attorney. An attorney may be able to make arrangements with your medical providers to complete your treatments and wait for the settlement to get paid. You may want to speak to an attorney in your area.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh