There’s a moment that often catches people off guard after a car accident. It’s not the crash itself or even the recovery — it’s when the bills start arriving. Some come fast, some trickle in later, but they almost always add up quicker than you expect. In Texas, your auto insurance’s personal injury protection (PIP) typically covers the first $2,500 of medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. But things can get tricky when PIP runs out and your health insurance has to cover costs. You may think you’re off the hook for these bills, but health insurers often have what’s called a “subrogation” clause. This means they can seek reimbursement from your settlement for medical bills they’ve paid on your behalf. Hospitals can also file a lien against your injury settlement. If you go to an ER after a wreck, there’s a good chance the hospital is going to attach a lien to your case. That lien gets paid before you do; it doesn’t matter if the bill is inflated or if insurance paid part of it. Hospital liens are often surprising and can significantly reduce any settlement you may be counting on following an accident. Then there are letter of protection (LOP) agreements between you, your attorney, and your medical provider. These are common in cases when someone doesn’t have health insurance or can’t afford to wait. It THE REAL COST OF A WRECK Why Settlements Aren’t Always Simple
SUMMER RISKS HOULD KNOW
arise. Drivers between 16 and 19 have a crash fatality rate about three times higher than those 20 and older. Inexperience can’t be helped, but how we prepare our kids can make a real difference.
If you’re a parent, start by having a conversation with your teen. Talk about what you expect from them behind the wheel. Set rules about when and where they drive, who they drive with, and how phones are handled. Putting those expectations in writing — something like a parent-teen driving agreement — might feel formal, but it can give teens more clarity and accountability.
And don’t forget to lead by example. Kids notice how we drive, and they pay attention to our habits behind the wheel. Modeling the behavior we want to see in them might be the most important piece of all. There’s no way to remove every risk from the road, but we can help our teens make better choices and give them the tools they need to handle the responsibility that comes with driving.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp This recipe is quick, easy, and promises a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen. It’s perfect over pasta or a green salad. Impress guests or indulge yourself on a weeknight!
allows you to get treatment when it’s needed and can be a lifeline in the right situation. But it comes with strings attached. You’re essentially agreeing that those bills come out of your recovery, which means
INGREDIENTS • 3 tbsp olive oil •
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1/2 tsp black pepper
less money in your pocket unless someone negotiates those numbers down.
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp salt
This is where an experienced personal injury attorney can step in and help. We can negotiate with insurers
DIRECTIONS
and medical providers to reduce liens and subrogation claims and ensure you don’t leave money on the table simply because you didn’t know how the billing side works. If medical bills are stacking up after an accident and you’re trying to figure out what’s fair, reach out. We can help you deal with these challenges while you focus on getting better.
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated. 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving.
Inspired by CooktopCove.com
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