Medical Bills After a Car Crash: Who Pays?

Jun 26, 2025

After a car crash, one of the biggest concerns is often who will cover the medical bills. The responsibility for paying these expenses can fall on different parties depending on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance policies involved. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for the injured party’s medical costs.

However, if the fault is unclear or if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance, other options like personal health insurance or uninsured motorist coverage may come into play. Understanding these possibilities helps individuals know what to expect and how to prepare financially after a collision.

Understanding Medical Bills and Car Insurance

What PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Insurance Covers

PIP insurance, also known as no-fault insurance, pays for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. It covers ambulance fees, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages. The coverage limits vary by state and policy but usually range from $5,000 to $50,000.

PIP often covers the policyholder, passengers, and sometimes pedestrians injured in the accident. It is designed to provide fast payment for medical treatment without waiting for legal fault determination.

Expenses not covered by PIP may include long-term disability or pain and suffering. PIP is mandatory in some states and optional in others, influencing how much an injured party can claim directly from their own or another’s insurance.

How Health Insurance Handles Car Crash Medical Expenses

Health insurance is often secondary to PIP and may cover costs that PIP does not fully pay. It can pay for additional treatments, surgeries, or specialized care needed after the accident.

However, health insurers frequently seek reimbursement from auto insurance companies through subrogation if they cover treatment related to a car crash. This means health insurance may pay upfront, but then recover those costs later.

Some health plans exclude coverage for injuries resulting from car accidents, especially if other insurance is available. It’s important for injured individuals to inform their health insurer about the accident to understand coverage and requirements.

Determining Responsibility for Medical Bills

How Fault Affects Medical Expense Payments

In many cases, the driver at fault in a crash is responsible for the injured party’s medical bills. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance often covers these expenses under bodily injury liability coverage.

If the fault is clear, the injured party can submit claims to the at-fault driver’s insurer for payment. However, if the injured person’s insurance has personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage (MedPay), these policies can pay upfront, regardless of fault.

Disputes over fault can delay payments, leaving injured parties to cover medical costs temporarily. In some cases, individuals may have to use health insurance until fault is legally established.

Impact of Comparative Negligence Laws in Denver

Denver follows a comparative negligence system, which means fault—and thus financial responsibility—can be divided among parties. If an injured person is partly at fault, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a person is 30% responsible for the crash, their medical bill claims might be reduced by 30%. This can affect how much the at-fault party’s insurer pays.

Under Colorado law, as long as an injured party is less than 50% at fault, they can recover damages, but the amount will reflect their share of blame. This division impacts negotiations with insurers and potential lawsuits related to medical bills.

What to Do After a Car Crash

Documenting Medical Treatments and Expenses

You should immediately begin tracking all medical treatments related to the crash. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctor appointments, therapy sessions, and prescribed medications.

Keeping copies of all bills, receipts, and payment records is essential. Detailed notes on treatment dates, provider names, and the nature of injuries help build a clear medical timeline.

Using a dedicated folder or digital file to organize this documentation prevents loss or confusion. This evidence is often necessary to support insurance claims and potential legal actions.

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Company

You must contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the crash to report the incident. Most insurers provide specific deadlines for submitting claims, so timing is important.

When filing, the insured should provide all relevant documentation, including medical records and bills. Clear communication about the extent of injuries and treatments ensures the claim is evaluated accurately.

It is also important to understand the coverage terms, including deductibles, policy limits, and what types of medical expenses are reimbursable. Keeping records of all correspondence with the insurance company protects against disputes.

Legal Support and Next Steps

Getting proper legal support can ease the burden of medical bills after a car crash. It is important to work with professionals who understand accident claims and insurance negotiations to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

How Smith & Weidinger PLLC Helps Car Accident Victims

Smith & Weidinger PLLC offers specialized legal representation for car accident victims. We review each case thoroughly to identify liable parties and ensure all damages, including medical bills, are accounted for. Our team guides clients through complex legal procedures and paperwork, reducing stress and confusion.

We focus on building strong cases by gathering evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. This approach helps secure fair settlements or prepares the case for court if needed. Our clients receive personalized attention tailored to their specific situation.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging without legal experience. Smith & Weidinger PLLC communicates directly with insurers to handle settlement offers and disputes. Our knowledge helps prevent lowball offers and delays in payment.

We ensure that all medical expenses are properly documented and included in the claim. We also push for compensation covering current and future medical costs, lost wages, and other losses. Our skilled negotiation reduces the chances of settlement denial or unfair terms.

Contact Information

Smith & Weidinger PLLC provides legal representation focused on securing payments for medical bills after car crashes. We assist clients by managing their insurance negotiations and fighting for full compensation on their behalf.

Anyone facing unresolved medical bills after an accident can contact Smith & Weidinger PLLC to schedule a consultation. Early legal support improves case outcomes and protects victims from financial hardship.

Note: The information provided in this blog post has been compiled from publicly available and secondary sources. While we strive for accuracy, some details may become outdated or contain inadvertent errors. If you believe any information is incorrect or requires updating, please contact Smith & Weidinger so that we may review and make the appropriate corrections.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation for business. The photo used is not from the scene of the incident described. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Smith & Weidinger. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and then consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.