What Is a Letter of Protection After a Car Accident?
Short answer: A letter of protection (LOP) is a document from your law firm telling your medical provider not to take payment upfront. A portion of your settlement then pays the medical bills. It confirms that your care is being handled, but it's not a promise. Payment depends on the case being won or settled.
Some Fort Worth providers treat crash injuries under a letter of protection and get paid from your settlement. Here’s how that works.
How a letter of protection works
- You hire a personal injury lawyer.
- The law firm sends an LOP to your provider.
- You get care without paying upfront.
- When the case settles, the provider is paid from the settlement.
A letter of protection is not a guarantee
An LOP is confirmation from the law firm, not a promise of payment. If the case isn't won or settled, you generally still owe the provider. Ask the provider and the law firm how that's handled before you start treatment.
LOP vs. PIP
| Letter of protection | PIP | |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Your law firm | Your own auto insurer |
| When the provider is paid | After the case resolves | As claims are processed |
| Depends on fault | Depends on the outcome of the case | No |
Read about PIP and MedPay and whether you need a lawyer, or go back to all insurance guides.
Want a lawyer to look at your case for free?
If you were hurt in a crash that wasn't your fault, in Fort Worth or anywhere else in Texas, you can ask for a free consultation. A participating personal injury law firm will reach out to you promptly. There's no cost to ask and no obligation.