Q: The third party insurance, paid my medical bills without ever contacting me I never signed anythingIs that normal?
A:
In my professional experience it is not "normal." But it's very wise, and I have recommended it before.
In many instances, it is simple the "right" thing to do based on the facts and circumstances of the case. Paying an injured party's medical bills without any strings attached tends to "look good" if it is brought to the court's--and especially a jury's--attention. While you cannot count on being able to introduce that in front of a jury, it also helps deter the injured party from filing a lawsuit. The injured party him- or herself may be less inclined to sue when the insurance company promptly steps up to the plate and pays the medical bills.
In addition, it reduces the injured party's actual damages in any resulting lawsuit. That makes the case "smaller" and less expensive for everyone, and that is something insurance companies in particular are keen about. Since many personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, it may make the case less attractive to pursue because a contingency fee is usually based on the amount recovered by way of settlement or judgment.
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