he Massachusetts General Laws explicitly says there is a three-year period in which to claim personal injury protection benefits after an accident. However, the law also stipulates that you make your claim “as soon as practicable after the accident occurs from which such claim arises” (G.L. Chapter 90, Section 34M)
Your insurance company is responsible by law for paying legitimate medical expenses, arising directly from the accident, regardless of fault, up to the limits of the relevant policy. It must begin payment on these reported expenses within ten days.
However, the insurer can contest the validity of your medical bills. Remember, insurance companies are trying to spend as little as possible on you, no matter how faithfully you make your payments. This is what makes it so important, aside from health reasons, to visit a doctor for treatment and documentation shortly after an accident.
The law allows your insurer to demand that an injured party “submit to physical examinations by physicians selected by the insurer.” As to how often you might have to make a trip to see any doctor hand-selected by the insurance company, the law only specifies “as often as may be reasonably required.” Should you think that the insurer’s demands are unreasonable, it may use your “noncooperation” as a reason to deny payment.
If an insurance company is not giving you your due, call us today to discuss options.
