Who Pays Medical Bills In A Car Accident In California? (Explained)

If you’ve been in a car accident in California, one of the biggest concerns is often how to handle the medical bills that come afterward. 

Who’s responsible for paying these costs, and how do you make sure you’re covered?

In this post, we’ll explain who pays medical bills in a car accident in California, and everything else you need to know about.

 

 

#1 At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

The main person responsible for covering your medical bills is the at-fault driver. 

If the other driver is found to be responsible for the accident, their insurance should cover your medical bills. But don’t get too excited. This process can take time, and insurance companies can be slow to pay up.

Usually, the at-fault driver’s insurance will only cover the bills after a settlement is reached. 

So, if you’re hurting, you may have to rely on your own insurance for a while.

If the other driver’s insurance company agrees to pay, they’ll settle for the medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. It’s definitely something you’ll want to pursue, but remember that this could take time.

Also Read: What To Do After a Car Accident in San Jose

 

#2 Your Health Insurance

Since the at fault driver insurance will take time to pay you out, the first place to look is your own health insurance. If you have health coverage, it’ll usually kick in for your medical bills. 

This is true even if someone else is at fault in the accident. 

So, if you’re injured, your health insurance will cover most of your hospital visits, doctor appointments, surgeries, and treatments.

But here’s the thing: your health insurance might expect you to pay a deductible or co-pays. 

Plus, if your health insurance pays for your medical care, they may ask you to repay them later, especially if you get a settlement from the other party’s insurance. 

They call this subrogation – basically, it means they can claim some of the money from your settlement to cover what they paid.

 

#3 Your Auto Insurance

If you don’t have health insurance or if your health insurance doesn’t cover everything, your car insurance might pay your medical bills in a car accident. 

In California, drivers are required to carry car insurance, and there are a few ways your auto insurance can help with medical expenses.

If you have medical payments coverage (MedPay), your car insurance will cover your medical bills, regardless of who’s at fault. MedPay is optional, but it’s a good idea to get it if you can, because it provides extra protection when you need it most.

Another option is personal injury protection (PIP), which is available in some other states but not California. In CA,, you’re more likely to use MedPay or rely on your health insurance.

 

#4 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance

What happens if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage? 

In this case, you’d turn to your own insurance policy. California has an option called uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

If you’ve purchased this coverage, it’ll kick in when the other driver is either uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical expenses. The issue with this is that many drivers don’t carry this kind of coverage, so you’ll want to make sure you have it, just in case.

UM/UIM can be a lifesaver because it covers medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering, just like the at-fault driver’s insurance would.

 

#5 Out-Of-Pocket

Let’s say none of the above work out right away or if you’re dealing with expenses that exceed what your insurance can cover. In these cases, you may need to pay for some medical expenses out-of-pocket.

This can be frustrating, but you have options. You might be able to negotiate a payment plan with your medical provider or even ask them to wait until your settlement comes in. 

It’s also possible to take a loan, but that should be your last resort.

It’s important to stay on top of your bills. If you’re working with an attorney, they might help you get everything sorted out, including negotiating with healthcare providers and insurance companies.

Also Read: What Are Lawyer’s Fees for Car Accident Injuries in California

 

How Do Insurance Companies Pay Accident Medical Bills?

Here’s how insurance companies pays medical bills in a car accident in California:

1. First, your insurance may pay upfront.

If you’ve got MedPay or health insurance, they’ll pay the bills immediately or within a short time.

2. Then, the at-fault driver’s insurance kicks in.

After your own coverage handles things, the at-fault driver’s insurance should reimburse you for your medical bills, but it could take some time.

3. Finally, your insurance company might try to get reimbursement.

If the other driver is at fault, your health or car insurance may expect to be repaid once the settlement is made.

Insurance companies aren’t super fast in paying out, so it’s a good idea to rely on your health or car insurance to cover things in the meantime. If you’re dealing with the other driver’s insurance, expect some back-and-forth, especially if the accident is complicated.

 

What If My Medical Bills Are More Than My Settlement?

It happens. You get into an accident, and your medical bills exceed the amount you’re getting from the insurance settlement. There are a few things you can do:

If you have personal health insurance or MedPay, those might cover the difference. 

But if you don’t have enough coverage, you may need to go after the at-fault driver personally. This can mean negotiating with them directly, or in some cases, filing a lawsuit to recover the extra costs.

Also Read: What is the Average Settlement for Car Accidents

Another option is using your own health insurance to cover the gap, but they may try to get repaid later, as mentioned earlier. 

In extreme cases, you may also want to talk to a  personal injury lawyer. They might help you recover more of your costs or negotiate with the insurance company for a better deal.

 

 

Wrapping Up

Car accidents are tough, but knowing who pays your medical bills can ease a lot of stress. 

In California, your medical bills are paid by either your health insurance, your auto insurance, the at-fault driver’s insurance, or maybe your own out-of-pocket expenses.

Don’t be afraid to ask your insurance company for clarification, and if things get messy, a lawyer might be just the help you need. Stay calm, stay covered, and you’ll get through it.