If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are struggling to afford medical treatment while your case is pending, you’re not alone. Medical bills can pile up quickly—especially if you don’t have insurance or the at-fault party’s insurer is slow to accept responsibility. That’s where a Letter of Protection (LOP) can be a powerful tool in your recovery process.
This document allows accident victims to get the care they need now and pay later—once their personal injury claim settles. But before signing an LOP, it’s important to understand how it works, how it impacts your case, and whether it’s right for you.
What Is a Letter of Protection?
A Letter of Protection is a legal document issued by your attorney to a medical provider. It guarantees that the provider will receive payment for your treatment out of your settlement or court award once your case concludes. Essentially, it’s a promise to pay medical bills from your future compensation.
This allows you to:
- Get immediate medical care
- Avoid debt collection during the claims process
- Focus on healing without the stress of upfront costs
When Is a Letter of Protection Used?
LOPs are commonly used when:
- You don’t have health insurance
- Your provider refuses to bill your health insurance
- You’re waiting on a liability or personal injury claim to settle
- You can’t afford out-of-pocket medical expenses
They are especially helpful in personal injury cases involving car accidents, slips and falls, or any situation where another party may be legally responsible for your injuries.
How a Letter of Protection Works
Let’s say you’ve been in a car accident and suffered a serious back injury. You need chiropractic care and MRIs, but you don’t have insurance. Your personal injury attorney issues a Letter of Protection to your medical provider.
Here’s how it plays out:
- You receive treatment without having to pay upfront.
- Your provider agrees to wait for payment.
- Once your case settles or you win in court, the provider is paid directly from your settlement.
Benefits of Using a Letter of Protection
1. Access to Medical Care
Without insurance or the ability to pay cash, many accident victims delay treatment. This not only worsens injuries but can hurt your case. LOPs eliminate this barrier by allowing you to see doctors right away.
2. Preserve Your Claim
Seeking timely treatment is critical to building a strong personal injury case. Delays can be used by insurance adjusters to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or even related to the accident.
3. No Upfront Financial Burden
An LOP shifts the financial burden off your shoulders while your case is pending. This gives you room to breathe while focusing on recovery.
Potential Downsides of a Letter of Protection
While LOPs are helpful, they do come with caveats:
1. You’re Responsible If You Lose Your Case
If you don’t win a settlement or verdict, you may still be responsible for paying your medical bills. Providers who accepted an LOP may send you to collections if the case doesn’t result in compensation.
2. Insurance Companies May Scrutinize LOPs
Adjusters may argue that care under an LOP is biased or inflated since it’s tied to the outcome of the case. That’s why it’s important to work with reputable providers and experienced legal representation.
3. High Medical Charges
Some providers may charge higher rates under an LOP, knowing they may wait months to get paid or that attorney negotiations might reduce the amount later.
Is a Letter of Protection Right for You?
A Letter of Protection after a car accident may be right for you if:
- You lack adequate health coverage
- You’re unable to afford your co-pays or deductibles
- You’ve been denied treatment without upfront payment
- You’re committed to pursuing a personal injury claim
Always discuss the risks and benefits with your attorney before signing. A skilled lawyer can help you weigh your options, find trusted providers, and structure the LOP appropriately.
Legal Considerations
Because a Letter of Protection is a binding legal agreement, it’s not something to enter into lightly. Once signed, you’re legally obligated to ensure the provider gets paid, even if your case doesn’t go as planned.
An experienced personal injury attorney will:
- Draft or review the LOP
- Ensure it’s fair and enforceable
- Communicate with providers on your behalf
- Handle payment negotiations once your case resolves
Common Medical Services Covered by LOPs
- Emergency Room Visits
- Diagnostic Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT Scans)
- Chiropractic or Physical Therapy
- Orthopedic Evaluations
- Pain Management
- Surgery
This coverage ensures you don’t skip necessary treatments that could improve your recovery and strengthen your legal case.
Final Thoughts
A Letter of Protection after a car accident can be a lifeline for injured victims who need medical care but can’t afford it upfront. It allows you to receive critical treatment while your legal team works to secure fair compensation. But like any legal agreement, it comes with responsibilities—so be sure you fully understand the terms and have the guidance of an experienced attorney.
Don’t delay treatment or risk weakening your case due to medical bills.
📢 Get Help Now – Apply for a FREE Case Evaluation and find out if a Letter of Protection is the right choice for your situation.
“Letter of Protection After a Car Accident”
