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Insurance money from accident?

Well I had an accident in june 2007 and it was the other drivers fault. I just got awarded 50,000 which was the maximum even though doctor bills were well over that amout because it was their maximum. But now the lawyer is say he is going to take a third and keep the rest of the money while he argues with our health insurance company (AARP) about medical bills even though we had incurance for year with them? So my quest is one is it common for a lawyer to hold all money and pay medical bills without you even knowing the amount or approving it? Another is why are we paying back medical bills to an health insurance policy I paid into dont I pay so I dont have to pay medical bills when i get hurt? And 3 I would like to directly nogotiate with all bills myself since I have been trying to meet with my lawyer for 4 months with no appointment set and he has lost my trust. Could I tell him I no longer need him, pay his fees - take the rest of my money then just deal with the billing companys myself? Answers are greatly appreciated I dont want to not pay my medical bills Im just a bit confused why im paying them when i had insurance, and If I do I dont trust my lawyer to talk to them seeing as he said it could take years to get them to a decent amount and the equal length to see any of the settlement ourselfs. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. 1. You can fire your lawyer and do it yourself at any time. 2. The medical bills in question may be what the insurance company would not cover (co-pay, deductible, etc). It may also be that the insurance company should be paid back by the person responsible for the accident since it was their fault. I don't really know the details on that one. 3. 50,000 may be the maximum their insurance will pay, but you could still go after the responsible person for more (assuming they have assets aside from the insurance). However, you may have waived this ability when you accepted the 50k insurance settlement. Sorr you got hurt. I hope you are doing better and that these answeres helped.
2. If the insurers filed a lien (which is common) then the attorney doesn't have a choice. If he releases the funds and then you don't pay the medical providers, he could personally be on the hook to pay for the medical bills. However, you have an absolute right to know what the proceeds are and how he plans to disburse them. You also have to approve of any disbursements. His not returning your calls for so long is totally unacceptable. I would send him a certified letter (so you can prove he received it) and demand that he set an appointment to meet with you and answer your questions or you will fire him and hire someone else to negotiate the payment to the health care providers. You can also report him to the bar for not communicating with you. That would definitely get his attention. Good luck!
3. File a complaint with your state Board of Grievances. It all sounds fishy to me. Be careful what you sign from him in the mean time.